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 marveled one at another.
And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marveled one at another. And he took and sent portions unto them from before him: but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
And he took and sent portions unto them from before him: but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go play the harlot after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go play the harlot after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your offerings which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand:
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your offerings which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand: But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates: and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all that you put your hands unto.
But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates: and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all that you put your hands unto.
You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year.
You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year. And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
And you shall bestow that money for whatsoever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household,
And you shall bestow that money for whatsoever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household,
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD your God has chosen to place his name there.
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD your God has chosen to place his name there.
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if you can certainly declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing:
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if you can certainly declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing:
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered themselves together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered themselves together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, who slew many of us.
And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, who slew many of us. And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make sport for us. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made sport for them: and they set him between the pillars.
And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make sport for us. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made sport for them: and they set him between the pillars.
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
And Eli said unto her, How long will you be drunk? put away your wine from you.
And Eli said unto her, How long will you be drunk? put away your wine from you. 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 the LORD.
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 the LORD.
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said unto you, Set it by you.
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said unto you, Set it by you. And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before you, and eat: for unto this time has it been kept for you since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before you, and eat: for unto this time has it been kept for you since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he comes here.
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he comes here.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash your feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash your feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king.
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD 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.
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD 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.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet wine, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet wine, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed on which Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed on which Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending presents one to another.
Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending presents one to another.
As the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feast
As the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feast
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house; and you shall make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house; and you shall make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars: She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also furnished her table.
She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also furnished her table. She has sent forth her maidens: she cries upon the highest places of the city,
A slothful man hides his hand in his dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
A slothful man hides his hand in his dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
The slothful hides his hand in his dish; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
The slothful hides his hand in his dish; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now accepts your works.
Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now accepts your works. Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
I would lead you, and bring you into my mother's house, who had instructed me: I would cause you to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
I would lead you, and bring you into my mother's house, who had instructed me: I would cause you to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflames them!
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflames them! And the harp, and the lyre, the timbrel, and flute, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
And the harp, and the lyre, the timbrel, and flute, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
And on this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of rich things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And on this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of rich things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And on this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of rich things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And on this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of rich 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, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which is on the head of the rich valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which is on the head of the rich valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon your couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon your couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; That chant to the sound of the harp, and invent for yourselves instruments of music, like David;
That chant to the sound of the harp, and invent for yourselves instruments of music, like David; That drink wine in bowls, and anoint yourselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint yourselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
And she said, True, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
And she said, True, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
And love the uppermost places at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And love the uppermost places at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish.
And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.
And, behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat to eat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
And, behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat to eat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
And he put forth a parable to those who were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief places; saying unto them,
And he put forth a parable to those who were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief places; saying unto them, When you are bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest place; lest a more honorable man than you be bidden of him;
When you are bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest place; lest a more honorable man than you be bidden of him; And he that bade you and him come and say to you, Give this man your place; and you begin with shame to take the lowest place.
And he that bade you and him come and say to you, Give this man your place; and you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that bade you come, he may say unto you, Friend, go up higher: then shall you have honor in the presence of them that sit at table with you.
But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that bade you come, he may say unto you, Friend, go up higher: then shall you have honor in the presence of them that sit at table with you.
But when you give a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
But when you give a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
And when one of them that sat at table with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
And when one of them that sat at table with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
On the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
On the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
And he said unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the steward of the feast. And they bore it.
And he said unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the steward of the feast. And they bore it. When the steward of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants who drew the water knew;) the steward of the feast called the bridegroom,
When the steward of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants who drew the water knew;) the steward of the feast called the bridegroom,
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight.
And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings 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, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go play the harlot after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD your God has chosen to place his name there.
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if you can certainly declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing:
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered themselves together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he comes here.
And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at evening.
Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the new moon: and you shall be missed, because your seat will be empty.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet wine, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also furnished her table.
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflames them! And the harp, and the lyre, the timbrel, and flute, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
And on this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of rich 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, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which is on the head of the rich valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment:
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.