Barley, a staple grain in ancient times, holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, both as a food source and as a commodity in trade. It is one of the earliest cultivated grains and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, reflecting its prominence in the agrarian society of the biblical world.

Biblical References and Usage

Barley is first mentioned in the context of the plagues of Egypt, where it is noted as one of the crops destroyed by hail. Exodus 9:31 states, "Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom." This indicates the timing of the plagues during the barley harvest, which typically occurs in the spring.

In the context of offerings, barley is specified as a grain offering in the law given to the Israelites. Numbers 5:15 describes the offering of barley flour in the ritual of the jealousy offering: "Then he is to bring his wife to the priest, and he must also bring an offering for her of a tenth of an ephah of barley flour."

Barley also plays a role in the narrative of Ruth, where it is a symbol of provision and sustenance. Ruth 2:23 notes, "So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished." This passage highlights the importance of barley as a means of survival and blessing for Ruth and Naomi.

Economic and Trade Significance

Barley was a critical component of the ancient economy, serving as a staple food for both humans and animals. It was often used as a measure of wealth and a medium of exchange. In 2 Kings 7:1 , the prophet Elisha prophesies about the abundance of barley: "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.'"

The trade of barley extended beyond local markets, as it was a valuable export commodity. Ezekiel 27:17 mentions the trade of barley in the context of Tyre's extensive commercial network: "Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, meal, honey, oil, and balm for your merchandise."

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Barley is often associated with humility and simplicity, contrasting with the more refined wheat. This symbolism is evident in the account of the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus uses barley loaves to perform a miracle. John 6:9 records, "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what difference will these make among so many?"

The use of barley in this miracle underscores the theme of God's provision and the sufficiency of what may seem humble or inadequate in human eyes. It serves as a reminder of the divine ability to multiply and bless the simplest of offerings.

In summary, barley in the biblical context is more than just a grain; it is a symbol of sustenance, economic activity, and divine provision. Its presence in Scripture reflects the agricultural realities of the time and offers spiritual insights into God's care and provision for His people.2 Chronicles 2:10
And, behold, I will give to your servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 3:2
So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:
Nave's Topical Index

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ...
... ye would believe Me also; for he wrote of Me." [3891] But as in barley the marrow ...
money, and receives what he buys: so Christ too in this His traffic gave and ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxx on the words.htm

Matt. xx. 29, 30
... and providing His table, at one time He sets before Himself barley loaves, and ... the
Lord Himself removes them into Heaven; He Himself makes the traffic the more ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvi matt xx 29.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... man had done she told, and said, He these six measures full of barley laid Upon
me ... Then I'll release him, and give toleration To you to come and traffic in the ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and equipment with those which the Mediterranean natives used for their traffic
with distant lands ... and with supplies of food for the men, and of barley and oats ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... No reflecting Churchman could fail to be disgusted with a traffic in pews which
in many cases ... 'Certainly not, sir,' said he, ''twill be barley next year.'[966]. ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... between Egypt and the rest of the world had in this traffic a steady ... rivalled those
of Babylonia, and included among their produce wheat, barley, millet, and ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... A perpetual terror reigned wherever they were accustomed to pass*: no one dared
beat out wheat or barley in the open air, or lead his herds to pasture far from ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Fields of wheat and barley extended along the flats of the valleys, broken in upon
here and there by orchards, in which the white and pink almond, the apple ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The plains produced barley and wheat in enormous quantities, the vine throve there ...
Egyptian sailors used to set out to traffic along the seaboard, taking to ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... entirely responsible for the necessary expenses, "giving him all the necessities
of life, at a time when he had not as yet either corn, barley, income, house ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

What is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Was the killing of Saul's descendants a just response to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org

Barley: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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