The Hebrew word ʻâdâsh, represented by H5742, refers to a lentil. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses. Though its usage is infrequent, it consistently denotes a common food source, often appearing alongside other staple grains and provisions in the biblical text.
In scripture, H5742 is primarily shown as a food item. Its most notable appearance is in the story of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob gave Esau bread and a "pottage of lentiles" in exchange for his birthright Genesis 25:34. The term also appears in a military context, where Shammah, one of David's mighty men, defended a plot of ground full of lentiles from the Philistines 2 Samuel 23:11. As a provision, lentiles were brought to David's men along with other foods like wheat and barley 2 Samuel 17:28. The prophet Ezekiel was also instructed to make bread using lentiles along with other grains like wheat, barley, and beans as part of a symbolic act Ezekiel 4:9.
Several related words clarify the use and context of lentils as a food source:
- H5138 nâzîyd (pottage): Defined as "something boiled, i.e. soup," this word is directly associated with lentils in the account of Esau, who was given "pottage of lentiles" Genesis 25:34. This indicates a common method of preparing them.
- H3899 lechem (bread): Lentils are mentioned with bread in multiple instances. Esau received bread with his lentil pottage Genesis 25:34, and Ezekiel was commanded to bake various grains, including lentils, into bread Ezekiel 4:9.
- H2406 chiṭṭâh (wheat): As a primary grain, wheat is frequently listed with lentils, establishing lentils as a staple food. Both were brought as provisions to David's camp 2 Samuel 17:28 and were included in the ingredients for Ezekiel's symbolic bread Ezekiel 4:9.
The significance of H5742 is tied to its role as a basic form of sustenance.
- A Symbol of Shortsighted Desire: The "pottage of lentiles" is forever linked to Esau's decision to trade his birthright for immediate gratification, showing how something of immense value was exchanged for a simple meal Genesis 25:34.
- A Staple for Sustenance: Lentils are consistently presented as a fundamental foodstuff. They are included in provisions for those in need, such as for David and his followers 2 Samuel 17:28, and are part of the ingredients for the bread Ezekiel was to eat during the symbolic siege Ezekiel 4:9.
- A Valued Crop: The defense of a field of lentiles by Shammah highlights their agricultural importance 2 Samuel 23:11. The crop was valuable enough to be defended in battle, underscoring its role in the community's survival.
In summary, H5742 ʻâdâsh consistently refers to the lentil, a common food staple in ancient Israel. While it appears only a few times, it is depicted as a valued agricultural crop, an ingredient for pottage and bread, and a key provision for sustenance. Its most memorable use is in the narrative of Esau, where a meal of lentils becomes a powerful symbol of forfeiting a long-term inheritance for a moment of physical hunger.
TRV