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 birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men wondered one at another.
And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men wondered one at another. And he took and sent messes to them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
And he took and sent messes to them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go astray after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go astray after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy free-will-offerings, or heave-offering of thy hand:
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy free-will-offerings, or heave-offering of thy hand: But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands to.
But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands to.
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; 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 shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy household.
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy household.
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
And Samson said to them, I will now propose a riddle to you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
And Samson said to them, I will now propose a riddle to you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
Then the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
Then the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath 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 hath 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 us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made them sport: 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 us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.
But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah; but the LORD had rendered her barren.
But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah; but the LORD had rendered her barren.
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 drank 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 drank neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said to thee, Set it by thee.
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said to thee, Set it by thee. 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 thee, and eat; for to this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul ate 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 thee, and eat; for to this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he hath come hither.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he hath come hither.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.
And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat 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 to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy to our Lord: neither be ye sad; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Then 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 this day is holy to our Lord: neither be ye sad; 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 had 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 had 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 portions 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 portions one to 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 one to 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 one to another, and gifts to the poor.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt 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 killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
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 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 thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Woe to them that rise early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflameth them!
Woe to them that rise early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflameth them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, 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 viol, the tabret, and pipe, 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 will the LORD of hosts make to all people 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 on this mountain will the LORD of hosts make to all people 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 on this mountain will the LORD of hosts make to all people 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 on this mountain will the LORD of hosts make to all people 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, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower; who are 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; who are on the head of the rich valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the midst of the stall;
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the midst of the stall; That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crums which fall from their master's table.
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crums which fall from their master's table.
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And he answered and said to them, It is one of the twelve that dippeth with me in the dish.
And he answered and said to them, It is one of the twelve that dippeth 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 loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
And behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster-box of ointment,
And behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster-box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and wiped 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 wiped 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 invited, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them,
And he put forth a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them, When thou art invited by any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honorable man than thou be invited by him;
When thou art invited by any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honorable man than thou be invited by him; And he that invited thee and him, shall come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
And he that invited thee and him, shall come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art invited, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that invited thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have honor in the presence of them that sit at table with thee.
But when thou art invited, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that invited thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have honor in the presence of them that sit at table with thee.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
But when thou makest 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 to 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 to 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 invited, Come, for all things are now ready.
And sent his servant at supper-time, to say to them that were invited, Come, for all things are now ready.
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to 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 saith to them, Draw out now, and bear to the governor of the feast. And they bore it.
And he saith to them, Draw out now, and bear to the governor of the feast. And they bore it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was; (but the servants who drew the water knew) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was; (but the servants who drew the water knew) the governor 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 Mary took 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 Mary took 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.
He then lying on Jesus' breast, saith to him, Lord, who is it?
He then lying on Jesus' breast, saith to him, Lord, who is it?
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them (ready to depart on the morrow) and continued his speech until midnight.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them (ready to depart on the morrow) and continued his speech until midnight.
And he saith to me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith to me, These are the true sayings of God.
And he saith to me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith 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 came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birth-day, that he made a feast to all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go astray after their gods, and do sacrifice to their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
And Samson said to them, I will now propose a riddle to you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
Then the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him: for we will not sit down till he hath come hither.
And David said to Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the 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 to the third day at evening.
Then Jonathan said to David, To-morrow is the new-moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
Then 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 this day is holy to our Lord: neither be ye sad; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished 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 merry: but money answereth all things.
Woe to them that rise early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflameth them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, 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 will the LORD of hosts make to all people 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, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower; who are on the head of the rich valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
But when Herod's birth-day 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 a wedding-garment:
Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.