785. The expression "eating bread" is often used in the Bible to mean eating a whole meal. When the Bible says, "The Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews" (Gen. 43:32 KJV), it means that they would likely not eat a meal with them. In Lamentations 4:4 we read: "The young children ask for bread, and no man breaketh it unto them" (KJV). The expression "breaking of bread" means the taking of a meal.
786. The Israelite's Egyptian diet included a lot of leeks, onions, and garlic, and the prophet Isaiah mentions a "garden of cucumber" (Isa. 1:8 KJV). Gourds were also used (2 Kings 4:39).
787. The two most widely used vegetables in Bible times, however, were beans and lentils. The most famous Biblical use of lentils was, of course, the selling of Esau's birthright for a meal of lentil stew with bread (Gen. 25:34).
788. Fruits included olives and grapes, which were eaten fresh and also dried as raisins (1 Sam. 25:18) or made into wine. Pomegranates were grown for their juice, and it is possible, though not likely, that apples were grown as well. Both of the latter fruits are mentioned in Song of Songs.
