Bible Encyclopedias
Lentils

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

len´tilz ( עדשׁים , ‛ădhāshı̄m ; φακός , phakós ; Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; 2 Samuel 23:11; Ezekiel 4:9; 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 Genesis 25:34 . Lentils were part of the provisions brought to David when fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:28 ) and were used in the making of the bread for the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 4:9 ). In a "plot of ground full of lentils," Shammah, one of David's "mighty men," stood and defended it and slew the marauding Philistines (2 Samuel 23:11 , 2 Samuel 23:12 ).