Eating: The ancient Hebrews would not eat with the Egyptians
(Genesis 43:32) In the
time of our Lord they would not eat with Samaritans
(John 4:9) and were
astonished that he ate with publicans and sinners
(Matthew 9:11) The
Hebrews originally sat at table, but afterwards adopted the Persian
and Chaldean practice of reclining
(Luke 7:36-50) Their principal meal
was at noon
(Genesis 43:16; 1 Kings 20:16; Ruth 2:14; Luke 14:12) The word "eat" is
used metaphorically in
(Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1; Revelation 10:9) In
(John 6:53-58)
"eating and drinking" means believing in Christ. Women were never
present as guests at meals (q.v.).
