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 first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth. And the men marveled at one another.
And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth. And the men marveled at one another. And one took portions to 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 one took portions to 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 whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
You may not eat inside your gates the tithe of your grain or of your wine or of your oil, or the first-born of your herds or of your flock, or any of your vows which you vow, or your free-will offerings or the heave offering of your hand.
You may not eat inside your gates the tithe of your grain or of your wine or of your oil, or the first-born of your herds or of your flock, or any of your vows which you vow, or your free-will offerings or the heave offering of your hand. But you must eat them before Jehovah your God in the place which Jehovah your God shall choose; you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite within your gates. And you shall rejoice before Jehovah your God in all that you put your hand to.
But you must eat them before Jehovah your God in the place which Jehovah your God shall choose; you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite within your gates. And you shall rejoice before Jehovah your God in all that you put your hand to.
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 Jehovah 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 first-born of your herds and of your flocks, so that you may learn to fear Jehovah your God always.
And you shall eat before Jehovah 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 first-born of your herds and of your flocks, so that you may learn to fear Jehovah your God always.
And you shall pay that silver for whatever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul desires. And you shall eat there before Jehovah your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household
And you shall pay that silver for whatever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul desires. And you shall eat there before Jehovah your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household
And you shall rejoice before Jehovah your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your slave girl, and the Levite inside your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, those among you, in the place which Jehovah your God has chosen to place His name there.
And you shall rejoice before Jehovah your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your slave girl, and the Levite inside your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, those among you, in the place which Jehovah your God has chosen to place His name there.
And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you. If you certainly tell it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen blouses and thirty changes of garments.
And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you. If you certainly tell it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen blouses and thirty changes of garments.
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered in order to offer a great sacrifice to 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 in order to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice. For they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And the people saw him and praised their god. For they said, Our god has delivered our enemy into our hand, and the destroyer of our country, who killed many of us.
And the people saw him and praised their god. For they said, Our god has delivered our enemy into our hand, and the destroyer of our country, who killed many of us. And when their hearts were merry, it happened that they said, Call for Samson and he will 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 when their hearts were merry, it happened that they said, Call for Samson and he will 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 to Hannah he gave one double portion, for he loved Hannah. But Jehovah had shut up her womb.
But to Hannah he gave one double portion, for he loved Hannah. But Jehovah had shut up her womb.
And Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you!
And Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you! And Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have neither drunk wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.
And Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have neither drunk wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring that part which I gave you, of which I said to you, Set it beside you.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring that part which I gave you, of which I said to you, Set it beside you. And the cook took up the shoulder and that on it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is reserved! Set it before you and eat. For until this set time it has been kept for you, since I said, I have invited the people. And Saul ate with Samuel that day.
And the cook took up the shoulder and that on it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is reserved! Set it before you and eat. For until this set time it has been kept for you, since I said, I have invited the people. And Saul ate with Samuel that day.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are all the young men here? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are all the young men here? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house and wash your feet. And Uriah left the king's house. And a gift from the king went out after him.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house and wash your feet. And Uriah left the king's house. And a gift from the king went out after him.
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah, that we may ask 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 ask 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.
Then he said to them, Go eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be sorry, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.
Then he said to them, Go eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be sorry, for the joy of Jehovah 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.
And the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine. And Haman had fallen on the bed on which Esther was. And the king said, Will he also force the queen before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
And the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine. And Haman had fallen on the bed on which Esther was. And the king said, Will he also force the queen 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, who lived in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and a day of sending portions to one another.
Therefore the Jews of the villages, who lived in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and a day of sending portions to one another.
as the days in which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which 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 to one another, and gifts to the poor.
as the days in which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which 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 to one another, and gifts to the poor.
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
They shall be satisfied with the fatness of Your house; and You shall make them drink of the river of Your pleasures.
They shall be satisfied with the fatness of Your house; and You shall make them drink of the river of Your pleasures.
Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars;
Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars; she has killed her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
she has killed her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women; she cries upon the highest places of the city,
A lazy one puts his hand in a dish, and he will not return it to his mouth.
A lazy one puts his hand in a dish, and he will not return it to his mouth.
The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now is pleased with your works.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God now is pleased with 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 leaders eat in the morning.
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your leaders eat in the morning.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.
I would lead You, and bring You into my mother's house. You would instruct me; I would cause You to drink spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
I would lead You, and bring You into my mother's house. You would instruct me; I would cause You to drink spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Woe to those who rise up early in the morning to go after strong drink; tarrying in the twilight while wine inflames them!
Woe to those who rise up early in the morning to go after strong drink; tarrying in the twilight while wine inflames them! And the lyre, and the harp, the timbrel, and pipe, and wine, are at their feasts; but they do not regard the work of Jehovah. Yea, they do not see the work of His hands.
And the lyre, and the harp, the timbrel, and pipe, and wine, are at their feasts; but they do not regard the work of Jehovah. Yea, they do not see the work of His hands.
And in this mountain Jehovah of Hosts shall make a feast of fat things for all the people, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of refined wine on the lees.
And in this mountain Jehovah of Hosts shall make a feast of fat things for all the people, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of refined wine on the lees.
And in this mountain Jehovah of Hosts shall make a feast of fat things for all the people, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of refined wine on the lees.
And in this mountain Jehovah of Hosts shall make a feast of fat things for all the people, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of refined wine on the lees.
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 fat valleys of those who 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 fat valleys of those who are overcome with wine!
who lie on beds of ivory, and those sprawling on their couches, and eat lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;
who lie on beds of ivory, and those sprawling on their couches, and eat lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; who chant with the mouth of the harp; they invent instruments of music for themselves, like David;
who chant with the mouth of the harp; they invent instruments of music for themselves, like David; who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best of oils; nor do they grieve for the breaking of Joseph!
who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best of oils; nor do they grieve for the breaking of Joseph!
And she said, True, O Lord; but even the little dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' tables.
And she said, True, O Lord; but even the little dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' tables.
And they love the first couch at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And they love the first couch at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And answering He said to them, It is one of the Twelve, the one dipping with Me in the dish.
And answering He said to them, It is one of the Twelve, the one dipping with Me in the dish.
And coming to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that he was worthy, he for whom You give this;
And coming to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that he was worthy, he for whom You give this; for, they said, He loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.
for, they said, He loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.
And behold, a woman, a sinner in the city, knowing that He reclined in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster vial of ointment.
And behold, a woman, a sinner in the city, knowing that He reclined in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster vial of ointment. And she stood behind Him, weeping at His feet, and she began to wash His feet with tears and wipe them with the hair of her head. And she ardently kissed His feet and anointed them with the ointment.
And she stood behind Him, weeping at His feet, and she began to wash His feet with tears and wipe them with the hair of her head. And she ardently kissed His feet and anointed them with the ointment.
And He put forth a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose out the chief places, saying to them,
And He put forth a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose out the chief places, saying to them, When you are invited by anyone to a wedding, do not recline in the chief seat, lest a more honorable man than you may be invited by him.
When you are invited by anyone to a wedding, do not recline in the chief seat, lest a more honorable man than you may be invited by him. And he who invited you and him shall come and say to you, Give place to this man; and then you begin with shame to take the last place.
And he who invited you and him shall come and say to you, Give place to this man; and then you begin with shame to take the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher. Then glory shall be to you before those reclining with you.
But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher. Then glory shall be to you before those reclining with you.
But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind,
But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind,
And one of those who reclined with Him heard these things, and he said to Him, Blessed are those eating bread in the kingdom of God.
And one of those who reclined with Him heard these things, and he said to Him, Blessed are those eating bread in the kingdom of God.
And he sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, Come, for all things are now ready.
And he sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, Come, for all things are now ready.
And his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing.
And his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing.
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. And the mother of Jesus was there.
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. And the mother of Jesus was there.
And He said to them, Now draw out and carry it to the master of the feast. And they carried it.
And He said to them, Now draw out and carry it to the master of the feast. And they carried it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine (and did not know where it was from, but the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine (and did not know where it was from, but the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
Then they made a supper there for Him. And Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him.
Then they made a supper there for Him. And Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him. Then Mary took a pound of ointment of pure 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 Mary took a pound of ointment of pure 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.
But there was one of His disciples leaning upon Jesus' bosom, the one whom Jesus loved.
But there was one of His disciples leaning upon Jesus' bosom, the one whom Jesus loved.
And lying on Jesus' breast, he said to him, Lord, who is it?
And lying on Jesus' breast, he said to him, Lord, who is it?
And on the first of the sabbaths, the disciples having been assembled to break bread, being about to depart on the morrow, Paul reasoned to them. And he continued his speech until midnight.
And on the first of the sabbaths, the disciples having been assembled to break bread, being about to depart on the morrow, Paul reasoned to them. And he continued his speech until midnight.
And he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who have been called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.
And he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who have been called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to 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 happened on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast to all his servants. And he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer, and of the chief baker, among his servants.
lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and call you, and you eat of his sacrifice;
And you shall rejoice before Jehovah your God, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your male servant, and your slave girl, and the Levite inside your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, those among you, in the place which Jehovah your God has chosen to place His name there.
And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you. If you certainly tell it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen blouses and thirty changes of garments.
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered in order to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice. For they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are all the young men here? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.
And David said to Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go so that I may hide myself in the field until the third day at evening.
And Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the new moon. And you shall be missed, because your seat will be empty.
Then he said to them, Go eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be sorry, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.
she has killed her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your leaders eat in the morning.
Bread is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but silver answers all things.
Woe to those who rise up early in the morning to go after strong drink; tarrying in the twilight while wine inflames them! And the lyre, and the harp, the timbrel, and pipe, and wine, are at their feasts; but they do not regard the work of Jehovah. Yea, they do not see the work of His hands.
And in this mountain Jehovah of Hosts shall make a feast of fat things for all the people, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of refined wine on the lees.
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 fat valleys of those who are overcome with wine!
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.
And the king coming in to look over the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
And his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing.