Topical Encyclopedia Butter, a dairy product made by churning milk or cream, is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible. It is often associated with abundance, hospitality, and the provision of God. In biblical times, butter was a staple in the diet and a symbol of prosperity and blessing.Genesis 18:8 In the account of Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, butter is mentioned as part of the meal he prepared for them: "Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set them before the men. And he stood by them under the tree as they ate." Here, butter, referred to as "curds," is part of a generous offering, reflecting the customs of hospitality and the importance of providing the best for guests. Deuteronomy 32:14 In the Song of Moses, butter is listed among the blessings given to the Israelites: "with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats, with the finest kernels of wheat, and the blood of grapes you drank as wine." This passage highlights butter as a symbol of the richness and abundance of the Promised Land, a gift from God to His people. Job 20:17 In the discourse of Zophar, butter is used metaphorically to describe the fleeting prosperity of the wicked: "He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream." Here, "cream" is synonymous with butter, illustrating the temporary nature of earthly wealth and pleasure for those who do not follow God's ways. Proverbs 30:33 This proverb uses butter in a metaphor about cause and effect: "For as the churning of milk produces butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so stirring up anger brings forth strife." The process of making butter is likened to the natural consequences of actions, emphasizing the wisdom in understanding the outcomes of one's behavior. Isaiah 7:15 In a prophecy concerning Immanuel, butter is mentioned as part of a simple diet: "He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject evil and choose good." This reference to butter, again as "curds," signifies sustenance and the nurturing environment in which the child will grow, symbolizing purity and moral discernment. Throughout these scriptures, butter is depicted as a valuable and nourishing food, integral to the diet and culture of the biblical world. It serves as a metaphor for prosperity, the consequences of actions, and the sustenance provided by God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 18:8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 32:14 Judges 5:25 2 Samuel 17:29 Job 20:17 Isaiah 7:15,22 Library Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests. Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs. Translated from the Greek. Second Sunday after Epiphany The Debt of Iren??us to Justin Martyr Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ... The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Christian Behavior A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources What was olive oil a symbol of in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy can't Catholics eat meat on Fridays during Lent? | GotQuestions.org Butter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |