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 eldest according unto his age, and the youngest according unto his youth. And the men marveled among themselves.
And they sat before him; the eldest according unto his age, and the youngest according unto his youth. And the men marveled among themselves. And they brought rewards unto them from before him: but Benjamin's part was five times so much as any of theirs. And they ate and they drank, and were drunk with him.
And they brought rewards unto them from before him: but Benjamin's part was five times so much as any of theirs. And they ate and they drank, and were drunk with him.
lest, if thou make any covenant with the inhabiters of the land, when they go a whoring after their gods and do sacrifice unto their gods, they call thee and thou eat of their sacrifice;
lest, if thou make any covenant with the inhabiters of the land, when they go a whoring after their gods and do sacrifice unto their gods, they call thee and thou eat of their sacrifice;
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thy oil, either the firstborn of thine oxen or of thy sheep, neither any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings or heave offerings of thine hands:
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thy oil, either the firstborn of thine oxen or of thy sheep, neither any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings or heave offerings of thine hands: but thou must eat them before the LORD thy God, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen: both thou, thy son and thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, in all that thou puttest thine hand to.
but thou must eat them before the LORD thy God, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen: both thou, thy son and thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, in all that thou puttest thine hand to.
Thou shalt tithe all the increase of thy seed that cometh out of the field year by year.
Thou shalt tithe all the increase of thy seed that cometh out of the field year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he hath chosen to make his name dwell there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thine oil, and the firstborn of thine oxen and of thy flock that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he hath chosen to make his name dwell there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thine oil, and the firstborn of thine oxen and of thy flock that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
and bestow that money on whatsoever thy soul lusteth after: on oxen, sheep, wine and good drink, and on whatsoever thy soul desireth, and eat there before the LORD thy God and be merry: both thou, and thine household,
and bestow that money on whatsoever thy soul lusteth after: on oxen, sheep, wine and good drink, and on whatsoever thy soul desireth, and eat there before the LORD thy God and be merry: both thou, and thine household,
And rejoice before the LORD thy God: both thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to make his name dwell there.
And rejoice before the LORD thy God: both thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to make his name dwell there.
And Samson said unto them, "I will put forth a riddle unto you. And if you can declare it within seven days of the feast and find it out, I will give you thirty shirts and thirty changes of garments:
And Samson said unto them, "I will put forth a riddle unto you. And if you can declare it within seven days of the feast and find it out, I will give you thirty shirts and thirty changes of garments:
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together, for to offer a solemn offering unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, "Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hands."
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together, for to offer a solemn offering unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, "Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hands." And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, "Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, that destroyed our country and slew many of us."
And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, "Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, that destroyed our country and slew many of us." And when their hearts were merry, they said, "Send for Samson and let him play before us." And they fetched Samson out of the prison house, and he played before them, and they set him between the pillars.
And when their hearts were merry, they said, "Send for Samson and let him play before us." And they fetched Samson out of the prison house, and he played before them, and they set him between the pillars.
But unto Hannah he gave a portion with a heavy cheer, for he loved her; nevertheless the LORD had made her barren.
But unto Hannah he gave a portion with a heavy cheer, for he loved her; nevertheless the LORD had made her barren.
and said unto her, "How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away from thee the wine that thou hast."
and said unto her, "How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away from thee the wine that thou hast." Hannah answered, and said, "Not so, my lord. I am a woman sorrowful in mine heart, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Hannah answered, and said, "Not so, my lord. I am a woman sorrowful in mine heart, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Then said Samuel unto the cook, "Bring forth the portion which I gave thee, and of which I said, 'Keep it with thee.'"
Then said Samuel unto the cook, "Bring forth the portion which I gave thee, and of which I said, 'Keep it with thee.'" And the cook took up the shoulder and brought it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, "Behold, that which is left: put it before thee and eat, for I kept it for thee of purpose, when I called the people." And so Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
And the cook took up the shoulder and brought it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, "Behold, that which is left: put it before thee and eat, for I kept it for thee of purpose, when I called the people." And so Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
Then said Samuel to Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" And he said, "The youngest is yet behind. Behold, he keepeth the sheep." Then Samuel said unto Jesse, "Send and fetch him for we will not sit down, till he be come hither."
Then said Samuel to Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" And he said, "The youngest is yet behind. Behold, he keepeth the sheep." Then Samuel said unto Jesse, "Send and fetch him for we will not sit down, till he be come hither."
And David said moreover to Uriah, "Go down to thine house and wash thy feet." And Uriah departed out of the king's palace, and there followed him a service from the king's table.
And David said moreover to Uriah, "Go down to thine house and wash thy feet." And Uriah departed out of the king's palace, and there followed him a service from the king's table.
But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there here no prophet of the LORD's, that we may enquire of the LORD by him?" And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, "Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat which poured water on the hands of Elijah."
But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there here no prophet of the LORD's, that we may enquire of the LORD by him?" And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, "Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat which poured water on the hands of Elijah."
Therefore said he unto them, "Go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves: for this day is holy unto our LORD. Be not ye sorry therefore: for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Therefore said he unto them, "Go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves: for this day is holy unto our LORD. Be not ye sorry therefore: for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
And the queen Vashti made a feast also for the women in the palace of Ahasuerus.
And the queen Vashti made a feast also for the women in the palace of Ahasuerus.
And when the king came again out of the palace garden into the parlor where they had eaten, Haman had laid him upon the bed that Esther sat upon. Then said the king, "Will he force the queen also? Beside me, in the house?" As soon as that word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
And when the king came again out of the palace garden into the parlor where they had eaten, Haman had laid him upon the bed that Esther sat upon. Then said the king, "Will he force the queen also? Beside me, in the house?" As soon as that word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
Therefore the Jews that dwelt in the villages and unwalled towns ordained the fourteenth day of the month Adar, to be a day of feasting and gladness, and one sent gifts to another.
Therefore the Jews that dwelt in the villages and unwalled towns ordained the fourteenth day of the month Adar, to be a day of feasting and gladness, and one sent gifts to another.
as the days wherein the Jews came to rest from their enemies, and as a month wherein their pain was turned to joy, and their sorrow to prosperity: that they should observe the same days of wealth and gladness, and one to send gifts to another, and to distribute unto the poor.
as the days wherein the Jews came to rest from their enemies, and as a month wherein their pain was turned to joy, and their sorrow to prosperity: that they should observe the same days of wealth and gladness, and one to send gifts to another, and to distribute unto the poor.
Thou preparest a table before me against mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, and fillest my cup full.
Thou preparest a table before me against mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, and fillest my cup full.
They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house, and thou shalt give them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house, and thou shalt give them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
Wisdom hath builded herself a house, and hewn out seven pillars:
Wisdom hath builded herself a house, and hewn out seven pillars: She hath killed her victuals, poured out her wine, and prepared her table.
She hath killed her victuals, poured out her wine, and prepared her table. She hath sent forth her maidens to cry upon the highest place of the city:
A slothful body shutteth his hand into his bosom; so that he cannot put it to his mouth.
A slothful body shutteth his hand into his bosom; so that he cannot put it to his mouth.
The slothful body thrusteth his hand into his bosom, and it grieveth him to put it again to his mouth.
The slothful body thrusteth his hand into his bosom, and it grieveth him to put it again to his mouth.
Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God.
Go thou thy way then, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God. Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
Woe be unto thee, O thou realm and land, whose king is but a child, and whose princes are early at their banquets.
Woe be unto thee, O thou realm and land, whose king is but a child, and whose princes are early at their banquets.
He brought me into his wine cellar: and his behavior to me ward was lovely.
He brought me into his wine cellar: and his behavior to me ward was lovely.
if I took thee, and brought thee into my mother's house - that thou mightest teach me, and that I might give thee drink of spiced wine and of the sweet sap of my pomegranates.
if I took thee, and brought thee into my mother's house - that thou mightest teach me, and that I might give thee drink of spiced wine and of the sweet sap of my pomegranates.
Woe unto them that rise up early to use themselves in drunkenness, and yet at night are more superfluous with wine.
Woe unto them that rise up early to use themselves in drunkenness, and yet at night are more superfluous with wine. In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
Moreover, the LORD of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill: A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well-fed beasts, of sweet and most pure things.
Moreover, the LORD of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill: A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well-fed beasts, of sweet and most pure things.
Moreover, the LORD of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill: A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well-fed beasts, of sweet and most pure things.
Moreover, the LORD of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill: A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well-fed beasts, of sweet and most pure things.
Woe be to the crown of pride, even to the drunken people of Ephraim, whose great pomp is as a flower that fadeth away upon the head of the valley of such as be in wealth, and are overladen with wine.
Woe be to the crown of pride, even to the drunken people of Ephraim, whose great pomp is as a flower that fadeth away upon the head of the valley of such as be in wealth, and are overladen with wine.
Ye that lie upon beds of ivory, and use your wantonness upon your couches; ye that eat the best lambs of the flock, and the fattest calves of the drove;
Ye that lie upon beds of ivory, and use your wantonness upon your couches; ye that eat the best lambs of the flock, and the fattest calves of the drove; ye that sing to the lute, and in playing of instruments compare yourselves unto David;
ye that sing to the lute, and in playing of instruments compare yourselves unto David; ye that drink wine out of goblets, and anoint yourselves with the best oil: but no man is sorry for Joseph's hurt.
ye that drink wine out of goblets, and anoint yourselves with the best oil: but no man is sorry for Joseph's hurt.
She answered and said, "It is truth, nevertheless the whelps eat of the crumbs, which fall from their masters' table."
She answered and said, "It is truth, nevertheless the whelps eat of the crumbs, which fall from their masters' table."
and love to sit uppermost at feasts, and to have the chief seats in the synagogues,
and love to sit uppermost at feasts, and to have the chief seats in the synagogues,
He answered, and said unto them, "It is one of the twelve and the same dippeth with me in the platter.
He answered, and said unto them, "It is one of the twelve and the same dippeth with me in the platter.
And they came to Jesus and besought him instantly, saying, "He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him.
And they came to Jesus and besought him instantly, saying, "He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him. For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue."
For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue."
And behold a woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster box of ointment,
And behold a woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster box of ointment, and she 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 ointment.
and she 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 ointment.
He put forth a similitude to the guests, when he marked how they pressed to the highest rooms, and said unto them,
He put forth a similitude to the guests, when he marked how they pressed to the highest rooms, and said unto them, "When thou art bidden to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him,
"When thou art bidden to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade both him and thee, come and say to thee, 'Give this man room.' And thou then begin with shame to take the lowest room.
and he that bade both him and thee, come and say to thee, 'Give this man room.' And thou then begin with shame to take the lowest room. But rather, when thou art bidden, go and sit in the lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, 'Friend, sit up higher.' Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
But rather, when thou art bidden, go and sit in the lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, 'Friend, sit up higher.' Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind,
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind,
When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him, "Happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of God."
When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him, "Happy is he that eateth 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.
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing,
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing,
And the third day, was there a marriage in Cana, a city of Galilee. And Jesus' mother was there.
And the third day, was there a marriage in Cana, a city of Galilee. And Jesus' mother was there.
And he said unto them, "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." And they bare it.
And he said unto them, "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was turned unto wine, and knew not whence it was - But the ministers which drew the water knew - He called the bridegroom,
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was turned unto wine, and knew not whence it was - But the ministers which drew the water knew - He 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 called nard, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and all the house was filled of the savour of the ointment.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment called nard, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and all the house was filled of the savour of the ointment.
There was one of his disciples which leaned on Jesus' bosom, whom Jesus loved.
There was one of his disciples which leaned on Jesus' bosom, whom Jesus loved.
He then, as he leaned on Jesus' breast, said unto him, "Lord who is it?"
He then, as he leaned on Jesus' breast, said unto him, "Lord who is it?"
And on the morrow after the Sabbath day the disciples came together for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued the preaching unto midnight.
And on the morrow after the Sabbath day the disciples came together for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued the preaching unto midnight.
And he said unto me, "Blessed are they which are called unto the Lamb's supper." And he said unto me, "These are the true sayings of God."
And he said unto me, "Blessed are they which are called unto the Lamb's supper." 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, if thou make any covenant with the inhabiters of the land, when they go a whoring after their gods and do sacrifice unto their gods, they call thee and thou eat of their sacrifice;
And rejoice before the LORD thy God: both thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to make his name dwell there.
And Samson said unto them, "I will put forth a riddle unto you. And if you can declare it within seven days of the feast and find it out, I will give you thirty shirts and thirty changes of garments:
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together, for to offer a solemn offering unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, "Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hands."
Then said Samuel to Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" And he said, "The youngest is yet behind. Behold, he keepeth the sheep." Then Samuel said unto Jesse, "Send and fetch him for we will not sit down, till he be come hither."
And David said unto Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the first day of the month, and I should sit with the king at meat. But let me go that I may hide myself in the fields unto this day three days at evening.
Then said Jonathan to David, "Tomorrow shall be the first day of the moon. And thou shalt be missed, because the place shall appear empty.
Therefore said he unto them, "Go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves: for this day is holy unto our LORD. Be not ye sorry therefore: for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
She hath killed her victuals, poured out her wine, and prepared her table.
Woe be unto thee, O thou realm and land, whose king is but a child, and whose princes are early at their banquets.
Meat maketh men to laugh, and wine maketh them merry; but unto money are all things obedient.
Woe unto them that rise up early to use themselves in drunkenness, and yet at night are more superfluous with wine. In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
Moreover, the LORD of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill: A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well-fed beasts, of sweet and most pure things.
Woe be to the crown of pride, even to the drunken people of Ephraim, whose great pomp is as a flower that fadeth away upon the head of the valley of such as be in wealth, and are overladen with wine.
But when Herod's birthday was come, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
Then the King came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had not on a wedding garment,
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing,