Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Lentils
Subjects in this Topic:
len´tilz (עדש××™×, ‛ădhaÌ„shı̄m; φακοÌÏ‚, phakoÌs; ; ; ; ; the King James Version Lentiles): These are undoubtedly identical with the Arabic ‛adas, a small, reddish bean, the product of Ervum lens, a dwarf leguminous plant, half a foot high, which is extensively cultivated in Palestine as a summer crop. The flour is highly nutritious, and the well-known food, Revalenta arabica, is simply one form, specially prepared; ‛adas are highly esteemed in Palestine, and are used in soup and as a “pottage†known as mujedderah. This last is of a reddish-brown color and is without doubt the “pottage†of . Lentils were part of the provisions brought to David when fleeing from Absalom () and were used in the making of the bread for the prophet Ezekiel (). In a “plot of ground full of lentils,†Shammah, one of David's “mighty men,†stood and defended it and slew the marauding Philistines (, ).