Barley(flour)
“From a root meaning 'bristling,' referring to the barley's characteristic beard”
Summary
A hardy cereal grain cultivated throughout Palestine and Egypt, used primarily as animal fodder but also as food for the poor, and associated with several significant biblical events.
☩Agricultural Importance
Barley was among the seven species that marked the Promised Land as blessed, mentioned alongside wheat, vines, and figs. It was sown after the autumn rains in October-November, or sometimes in early spring after winter passed. The barley harvest preceded the wheat harvest by several weeks, beginning near Jericho in April and continuing in the hill country through May.
☩Food for Animals and the Poor
Barley served primarily as fodder for horses and donkeys, since oats were unknown in Palestine. However, it was also made into bread by the poorer classes who could not afford wheat. The people of Palestine still say that oppressors 'leave them nothing but barley bread to eat.' In Revelation's vision of famine, barley was valued at one-third the price of wheat.
☩Symbolic and Ritual Uses
The jealousy offering prescribed for a woman suspected of adultery was specifically of barley meal, without the oil and frankincense that accompanied ordinary grain offerings. This meaner grain denoted the vile condition implied by the accusation. In Hosea, the adulteress is purchased for a price partly in barley, further emphasizing its association with degradation.
☩The Miracle of the Loaves
When Jesus fed the five thousand, the only available food was a boy's lunch of five barley loaves and two fish. Barley bread was the food of the poor—yet from this humble supply, Jesus multiplied abundance for the multitude. Just as a barley cake in Gideon's dream overthrew the Midianite camp, so God delights to use what is despised to accomplish his purposes.
Related Verses88 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Barley," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Barley," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Barley," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.George Morrish, "Barley," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).