lentiles Summary and Overview

(Heb. 'adashim), a species of vetch (Gen. 25:34; 2 Sam. 23:11), common in Syria under the name addas. The red pottage made by Jacob was of lentils (Gen. 25:29-34). They were among the provisions brought to David when he fled from Absalom (2 Sam. 17:28). It is the Ervum lens of Linnaeus, a leguminous plant which produces a fruit resembling a bean.

LEN'TILES (Ervum lens), a cultivated plant, smaller than the garden pea, but of the same family. In the markets of Palestine red lentiles are still sold as the best variety, and from them a pottage is made which Dr. Robinson Lentiles. (Ervum lens.) and others who have eaten it affirm would be a savory meal for a weary hunter. Gen 25:29-30. The "piece of ground full of lentiles," 2 Sam 23:11, is still common in the Holy Land, and the poor not infrequently make lentiles into bread. Eze 4:9. This pulse is much used in Roman Catholic countries during Lent, and from it the name Leopard. (Felis leopardus.) of the season is said to be derived. As a crop it is cut and threshed like wheat.

Genesis 25:34. Small beans, common in Syria and Egypt, called 'adas, very palatable; the ingredient of the red pottage ('edom), for which Esau sold his birthright. Dried and cooked they are still used as portable provisions for a journey; so Barzillai brought them to David's hungry followers (2 Samuel 17:28). In time of scarcity used with wheat, barley, beans, millet, and fitches, as a substitute for pure flour (Ezekiel 4:9). The Arabs make Hebron the scene of Esau's selling his birthright, and therefore daily supply the needy with lentil soup from the kitchen of a mosque there. Some derive "Lent" from the use of lentils at that season in Roman Catholic countries.