The lentil is a small, round, edible legume that holds significance in biblical history and culture. It is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of food and sustenance, reflecting its importance in the diet of ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 25:29-34 : The most notable mention of lentils in the Bible is in the account of Esau and Jacob. Esau, returning famished from the field, encounters Jacob cooking a stew of lentils. In his hunger, Esau agrees to sell his birthright to Jacob in exchange for the lentil stew. This passage highlights the value of lentils as a nourishing food and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the patriarchs: "Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. He said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.' That is why he was also called Edom. 'First sell me your birthright,' Jacob replied. 'Look,' said Esau, 'I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?' But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and went on his way. So Esau despised his birthright."

2. 2 Samuel 23:11-12 : Lentils are also mentioned in the context of a battle. Shammah, one of David's mighty warriors, defended a field of lentils against the Philistines, demonstrating the agricultural value of lentils and the importance of protecting food resources: "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the middle of the plot and defended it, and struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory."

3. Ezekiel 4:9 : Lentils are listed among the ingredients for a symbolic bread that the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to make, signifying the sustenance provided by God even in times of judgment: "But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single vessel and make them into bread for yourself. You are to eat it during the 390 days you lie on your side."

Cultural and Nutritional Significance:

In the ancient Near East, lentils were a staple food, valued for their high protein content and ability to be stored for long periods. They were often cooked into stews or soups, providing essential nutrition. The cultivation of lentils dates back thousands of years, and they were a common crop in the regions surrounding the biblical lands.

Symbolism and Lessons:

The account of Esau and Jacob using lentils as a medium of exchange for the birthright serves as a moral lesson on the dangers of impulsive decisions and the undervaluing of spiritual blessings for immediate physical gratification. The narrative underscores the importance of discernment and the prioritization of long-term spiritual inheritance over temporary physical needs.

In summary, lentils in the Bible are more than just a food item; they are woven into narratives that teach lessons on values, priorities, and the sustenance provided by God.(n.) A leguminous plant of the genus Ervum (Ervum Lens), of small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed, which is used for food on the continent.5742. adashah -- a lentil
... a lentil. Transliteration: adashah Phonetic Spelling: (aw-dawsh') Short Definition:
lentils. ... From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a lentil -- lentile. ...
/hebrew/5742.htm - 5k

Of the Three Lentil Beans which the Steward Found.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XX. Of the three lentil beans which the Steward found.
During the week of a certain brother the steward passing ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xx of the three.htm

Psalm XLVII.
... Egypt. Whence is so magnified the lentil of Alexandria, that it comes
even to our country, as if here grew no lentil. Therefore ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvii.htm

At the Well
... Regular, barren rows were the only evidences of the lentil and garlic gardens in
happier days, and the location of pastures might be guessed by the skeletons ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Daniel.
... the point clear to Latin readers: It is as if he were to say, playing upon the word
ilex, illico pereas; or upon lentiscus, may the angel make a lentil of you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/daniel.htm

If that which it Has Pleased us to Know is Within Reach...
... Nay more, if you think that anything can be known or comprehended, say what wheat
is,"spelt, barley, millet, the chick-pea, bean, lentil, melon, cumin ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/59 if that which it.htm

The Works of John Cassian.
... Chapter XX. Of the three lentil beans which the Steward found. Chapter XXI. Of
the spontaneous service of some of the brethren. Chapter XXII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the works of john cassian /

A Bad Bargain
... He knew that he was hungry, and that lentil porridge was good, 'What good shall
the birthright do me?' He failed to make the effort of mind and imagination ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a bad bargain.htm

Lentil (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lentil (1 Occurrence). Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread
and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. ...
/l/lentil.htm - 6k

Lent (9 Occurrences)

/l/lent.htm - 9k

Lentiles (4 Occurrences)

/l/lentiles.htm - 8k

Esau (89 Occurrences)
... The name of Edom, "red", was also given to him from his conduct in connection with
the red lentil "pottage" for which he sold his birthright (30, 31). ...
/e/esau.htm - 41k

Egypt (596 Occurrences)
... In ancient times we find the maize (durrah), wheat, barley and lentil; the vine,
currant, date palm, dum palm, fig, olive and pomegranate; the onion, garlic ...
/e/egypt.htm - 101k

Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the story of Jacob and Esau? | GotQuestions.org

Lentil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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