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Bible Dictionaries
Banquets
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Banquets. Banquets, 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. Deuteronomy 16:11. Sacrifices, both ordinary and extraordinary, Exodus 34:15; Judges 16:23, includes a banquet.
Birthday banquets are only mentioned in, Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6. The usual time of the banquet was the evening, and to begin early, was a mark of excess. Ecclesiastes 10:16; Isaiah 5:11. The most essential materials of the banqueting room, next to the viands and wine, which last, was often drugged with spices, Proverbs 9:2, were perfumed unguents, garlands or loose flowers, white or brilliant robes; after these, exhibitions of music singers and dancers, riddles, jesting and merriment.
Judges 14:12; 2 Samuel 19:35; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes 10:19; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 28:1; Matthew 22:11; Luke 15:25. The posture at table in early times was sitting, 1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 20:5; 1 Samuel 20:18, and the guests were ranged in order of dignity. Genesis 43:33; 1 Samuel 9:22. Words which imply the recumbent posture, belong to the New Testament.
These files are public domain.
Smith, William, Dr. Entry for 'Banquets'. Smith's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/sbd/b/banquets.html. 1901.
