Reference: Banquets
Fausets
Both social and religious. At the three great religious feasts, when all the males appeared before Jehovah, the family had its feast, of which the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow had their share (De 16:11). Sacrifices were accompanied by a feast (Ex 34:15; Jg 16:23-25). The "lovefeasts" of the early Christians sprung from these sacrificial feasts; as the Lord's supper came from the Passover. The tithes and firstlings were to be eaten at the sanctuary, if not too far off (De 12:17-18; 14:22-23). Males and females met together at feasts of old (Joh 2:1). Vashti's separate Women's banquet was a Persian, not Jewish, custom (Es 1:9). In magnificent feasts, as at royal weddings, a general invitation was given; the accepters were summoned by a second message at the time of the feast (Pr 9:1-3; Lu 14:17; Matthew 22).
The entertainer provided robes for the guests, to be worn in his honor and as a token of his regard, in Old Testament times the Israelites sat at table (1Sa 16:11); and in the order of their dignity or seniority (Ge 43:33); which explains the point of Jesus' exhortation to take the lowest place (Lu 14:7-10; Mt 23:6). The Persians reclined on couches (Es 7:8). So the Romans. From these the Jews adopted reclining. Thus, the sinful woman could come behind the conch where Jesus lay, and anoint His feet (Lu 7:37-38); and Mary, sister of Lazarus (Joh 12:2-3); and "John leaned on the Lord's bosom" at the last supper (Joh 13:23,25). Amos reprobates the luxury (Am 6:4-6). Perfumes were freely used at rich feasts (Ps 23:5; Ec 9:7-8). A "governor of the feast" was appointed (Joh 2:8-9).
The usual time was evening, to begin earlier was a mark of excess (Isa 5:11; Ec 10:16). "Spiced wine" was often used (Song 8:2). Garlands or crowns of flowers on the head (Isa 28:1). Music, vocal and instrumental (Isa 5:12), and dancing (Lu 15:25). Wedding feasts often lasted seven days (Jg 14:12). Portions were sent from the entertainer to each guest, and a double or fivefold portion, or special part, to a distinguished guest (1Sa 1:5; 9:23-24; compare 2Sa 11:8; Ge 43:34). Portions direct from table were sent to poorer friends (Ne 8:10; compare Lu 14:13; Es 9:19,22). A kiss was the proper courtesy wherewith the heat received each guest; to omit it was to be wanting in kindliness (Lu 7:4-5).
In the absence of modern knives, forks and spoons, they dipped their hands together in the same dish (Mr 14:20; Pr 19:24; 26:15, for "bosom" translate dish). After dinner the hands were wiped in a cloth, after a servant had poured water on them (compare Elisha's office for Elijah, 2Ki 3:11), or were wiped on pieces of bread, which were then thrown to the household dogs (which illustrates Mt 15:27). A banquet is a frequent emblem of heavenly happiness (Isa 25:6; Lu 14:15; Re 19:9).
To eat bread includes drinking. So in the case of the Lord's supper (Ac 20:7). So the cup is not expressly mentioned in the Passover supper in the Old Testament but De 14:26; Isa 25:6 imply the use of wine at it. In Eli's days drinking to excess even at the Lord's feasts was not uncommon (1Sa 1:14-15). Four cups of wine were mixed with water, blessed and passed round by the master of the feast at the Passover. In Song 2:4 the heavenly Bridegroom's "banqueting house" (house of wine) is the church in its public ordinances for refreshing the soul, the ministry of the word, joint prayer, and the Lord's supper (compare Ps 36:8).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth; and the men marvelled one at another.
And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth; and the men marvelled one at another. And he had portions carried to them from before him. And Benjamin's portion was five times greater than the portions of them all. And they drank, and made merry with him.
And he had portions carried to them from before him. And Benjamin's portion was five times greater than the portions of them all. And they drank, and made merry with him.
lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and then, when they go a whoring after their gods, and sacrifice unto their gods, thou be invited, and eat of their sacrifice,
lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and then, when they go a whoring after their gods, and sacrifice unto their gods, thou be invited, and eat of their sacrifice,
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy kine or of thy sheep, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy voluntary-offerings, nor the heave-offering of thy hand;
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy kine or of thy sheep, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy voluntary-offerings, nor the heave-offering of thy hand; but before Jehovah thy God shalt thou eat them in the place which Jehovah thy God will choose, thou and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy bondman, and thy handmaid, and the Levite that is within thy gates; and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God in all the business of thy hand.
but before Jehovah thy God shalt thou eat them in the place which Jehovah thy God will choose, thou and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy bondman, and thy handmaid, and the Levite that is within thy gates; and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God in all the business of thy hand.
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, the produce of the field, year by year.
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, the produce of the field, year by year. And thou shalt eat before Jehovah thy God, in the place which he will choose to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear Jehovah thy God continually.
And thou shalt eat before Jehovah thy God, in the place which he will choose to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear Jehovah thy God continually.
and thou shalt give the money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy house.
and thou shalt give the money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy house.
and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy bondman, and thy handmaid, and the Levite that is in thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are in thy midst in the place that Jehovah thy God will choose to cause his name to dwell there.
and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy bondman, and thy handmaid, and the Levite that is in thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are in thy midst in the place that Jehovah thy God will choose to cause his name to dwell there.
And Samson said to them, "Let me now put a riddle to you; if you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty festal garments;
And Samson said to them, "Let me now put a riddle to you; if you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty festal garments;
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, "Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand."
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, "Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand." And when the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, "Our god has given our enemy into our hand, the ravager of our country, who has slain many of us."
And when the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, "Our god has given our enemy into our hand, the ravager of our country, who has slain many of us." And when their hearts were merry, they said, "Call Samson, that he may make sport for us." So they called Samson out of the prison, and he made sport before them. They made him stand between the pillars;
And when their hearts were merry, they said, "Call Samson, that he may make sport for us." So they called Samson out of the prison, and he made sport before them. They made him stand between the pillars;
but to Hannah he used to give a double portion, for he loved Hannah; but Jehovah had shut up her womb.
but to Hannah he used to give a double portion, for he loved Hannah; but Jehovah had shut up her womb.
And Eli said to her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
And Eli said to her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion that I gave thee, of which I said to thee, Set it by thee.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion that I gave thee, of which I said to thee, Set it by thee. And the cook took up the shoulder, and what was on it, and set it before Saul. And he said, Behold that which has been reserved! set it before thee, eat; for against the set time has it been kept for thee, since I said, I will invite the people. So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
And the cook took up the shoulder, and what was on it, and set it before Saul. And he said, Behold that which has been reserved! set it before thee, eat; for against the set time has it been kept for thee, since I said, I will invite the people. So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are these all the young men? And he said, There is yet the youngest remaining, and behold, he is feeding the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit at table till he come hither.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are these all the young men? And he said, There is yet the youngest remaining, and behold, he is feeding the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit at table till he come hither.
And David said to Urijah, Go down to thy house and wash thy feet. And Urijah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him presents from the king.
And David said to Urijah, Go down to thy house and wash thy feet. And Urijah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him presents from the king.
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah that we may inquire of Jehovah by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah that we may inquire of Jehovah by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.
And he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for the day is holy to our Lord; and be not grieved, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.
And he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for the day is holy to our Lord; and be not grieved, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.
Also the queen Vashti made a feast for the women of the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Also the queen Vashti made a feast for the women of the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
And the king returned out of the palace garden into the house of the banquet of wine, and Haman was fallen upon the couch on which Esther was. And the king said, Will he even force the queen before me in the house? The word went forth out of the king's mouth, and they covered Haman's face.
And the king returned out of the palace garden into the house of the banquet of wine, and Haman was fallen upon the couch on which Esther was. And the king said, Will he even force the queen before me in the house? The word went forth out of the king's mouth, and they covered Haman's face.
Therefore the Jews of the villages that dwell in the country towns make the fourteenth of the month Adar a day of joy and feasting, and a good day, and on which they send portions one to another.
Therefore the Jews of the villages that dwell in the country towns make the fourteenth of the month Adar a day of joy and feasting, and a good day, and on which they send portions one to another.
as the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month that was turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
as the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month that was turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
Wisdom hath built her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars;
Wisdom hath built her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; she hath slaughtered her cattle, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also prepared her table;
she hath slaughtered her cattle, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also prepared her table; she hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the summits of the high places of the city,
she hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the summits of the high places of the city,
A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again.
A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish: it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish: it wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
Go, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.
Go, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works. Let thy garments be always white, and let not thy head lack oil.
Let thy garments be always white, and let not thy head lack oil.
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
He hath brought me to the house of wine, And his banner over me is love.
He hath brought me to the house of wine, And his banner over me is love.
I would lead thee, bring thee into my mother's house; Thou wouldest instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, Of the juice of my pomegranate.
I would lead thee, bring thee into my mother's house; Thou wouldest instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, Of the juice of my pomegranate.
Woe unto them that, rising early in the morning, run after strong drink; that linger till twilight, till wine inflameth them!
Woe unto them that, rising early in the morning, run after strong drink; that linger till twilight, till wine inflameth them! And harp and lyre, tambour and flute, and wine are in their banquets; but they regard not the work of Jehovah, nor do they see the operation of his hands.
And harp and lyre, tambour and flute, and wine are in their banquets; but they regard not the work of Jehovah, nor do they see the operation of his hands.
And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious adornment, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are overcome with wine.
Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious adornment, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are overcome with wine.
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves from the midst of the stall;
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves from the midst of the stall; that chant to the sound of the lute, and invent them instruments of music, like David;
that chant to the sound of the lute, and invent them instruments of music, like David; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but are not grieved for the breach of Joseph.
that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but are not grieved for the breach of Joseph.
But she said, Yea, Lord; for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the table of their masters.
But she said, Yea, Lord; for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the table of their masters.
and love the chief place in feasts and the first seats in the synagogues,
and love the chief place in feasts and the first seats in the synagogues,
But he answered and said to them, One of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.
But he answered and said to them, One of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.
But they, being come to Jesus, besought him diligently, saying, He is worthy to whom thou shouldest grant this,
But they, being come to Jesus, besought him diligently, saying, He is worthy to whom thou shouldest grant this, for he loves our nation, and himself has built the synagogue for us.
for he loves our nation, and himself has built the synagogue for us.
and behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, and knew that he was sitting at meat in the house of the Pharisee, having taken an alabaster box of myrrh,
and behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, and knew that he was sitting at meat in the house of the Pharisee, having taken an alabaster box of myrrh, and standing at his feet behind him weeping, began to wash his feet with tears; and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the myrrh.
and standing at his feet behind him weeping, began to wash his feet with tears; and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the myrrh.
And he spoke a parable to those that were invited, remarking how they chose out the first places, saying to them,
And he spoke a parable to those that were invited, remarking how they chose out the first places, saying to them, When thou art invited by any one to a wedding, do not lay thyself down in the first place at table, lest perhaps a more honourable than thou be invited by him,
When thou art invited by any one to a wedding, do not lay thyself down in the first place at table, lest perhaps a more honourable than thou be invited by him, and he who invited thee and him come and say to thee, Give place to this man, and then thou begin with shame to take the last place.
and he who invited thee and him come and say to thee, Give place to this man, and then thou begin with shame to take the last place. But when thou hast been invited, go and put thyself down in the last place, that when he who has invited thee comes, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have honour before all that are lying at table with thee;
But when thou hast been invited, go and put thyself down in the last place, that when he who has invited thee comes, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have honour before all that are lying at table with thee;
But when thou makest a feast, call poor, crippled, lame, blind:
But when thou makest a feast, call poor, crippled, lame, blind:
And one of those that were lying at table with them, hearing these things, said to him, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
And one of those that were lying at table with them, hearing these things, said to him, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
And he sent his bondman at the hour of supper to say to those who were invited, Come, for already all things are ready.
And he sent his bondman at the hour of supper to say to those who were invited, Come, for already all things are ready.
And his elder son was in the field; and as, coming up, he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
And his elder son was in the field; and as, coming up, he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
And on the third day a marriage took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
And on the third day a marriage took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
And he says to them, Draw out now, and carry it to the feast-master. And they carried it.
And he says to them, Draw out now, and carry it to the feast-master. And they carried it. But when the feast-master had tasted the water which had been made wine (and knew not whence it was, but the servants knew who drew the water), the feast-master calls the bridegroom,
But when the feast-master had tasted the water which had been made wine (and knew not whence it was, but the servants knew who drew the water), the feast-master calls the bridegroom,
There therefore they made him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those at table with him.
There therefore they made him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of pure nard of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Mary therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of pure nard of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Now there was at table one of his disciples in the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus loved.
Now there was at table one of his disciples in the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus loved.
But he, leaning on the breast of Jesus, says to him, Lord, who is it?
But he, leaning on the breast of Jesus, says to him, Lord, who is it?
And the first day of the week, we being assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed to them, about to depart on the morrow. And he prolonged the discourse till midnight.
And the first day of the week, we being assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed to them, about to depart on the morrow. And he prolonged the discourse till midnight.
And he says to me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the supper of the marriage of the Lamb. And he says to me, These are the true words of God.
And he says to me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the supper of the marriage of the Lamb. And he says to me, These are the true words of God.
Smith
among the Hebrews, were not only a means of social enjoyment, but were a part of the observance of religious festivity. At the three solemn festivals the family also had its domestic feast.
De 16:11
Sacrifices, both ordinary and extraordinary,
includes a banquet. Birthday banquets are only mentioned
The usual time of the banquet was the evening, and to begin early was a mark of excess.
The most essential materials of the banqueting room, next to the viands and wine, which last was often drugged with spices,
were perfumed unguents, garlands or loose flowers, white or brilliant robes; after these, exhibitions of music singers and dancers, riddles, jesting and merriment.
Jg 14:12; 2Sa 19:35; Ne 8:10; Ec 10:19; Isa 5:12; 25:6; 28:1; Mt 22:11; Lu 15:25
The posture at table in early times was sitting,
and the guests were ranged in order of dignity. (Gene 43:33; 1Sam 9:22 Words which imply the recumbent posture belong to the New Testament.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And it came to pass the third day Pharaoh's birthday that he made a feast to all his bondmen. And he lifted up the head of the chief of the cup-bearers, and the head of the chief of the bakers among his bondmen.
lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and then, when they go a whoring after their gods, and sacrifice unto their gods, thou be invited, and eat of their sacrifice,
and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy bondman, and thy handmaid, and the Levite that is in thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are in thy midst in the place that Jehovah thy God will choose to cause his name to dwell there.
And Samson said to them, "Let me now put a riddle to you; if you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty festal garments;
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, "Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand."
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are these all the young men? And he said, There is yet the youngest remaining, and behold, he is feeding the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit at table till he come hither.
And David said to Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow is new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat; but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening.
And Jonathan said to him, To-morrow is the new moon; and thou wilt be missed, for thy seat will be empty;
And he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for the day is holy to our Lord; and be not grieved, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.
she hath slaughtered her cattle, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also prepared her table;
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh life merry; but money answereth everything.
Woe unto them that, rising early in the morning, run after strong drink; that linger till twilight, till wine inflameth them! And harp and lyre, tambour and flute, and wine are in their banquets; but they regard not the work of Jehovah, nor do they see the operation of his hands.
And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious adornment, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are overcome with wine.
But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod;
And the king, having gone in to see the guests, beheld there a man not clothed with a wedding garment.
And his elder son was in the field; and as, coming up, he drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.