Coriander Spice
Coriander seed is mentioned twice in the Old Testament. This is because of its earthly similarity to the heaven bestowed manna. This herb is an annual and of the parsley family, common in Palestine and Syria. It has a tall stalk with small white flowers. The plant emits a disagreeable odor. The seeds are globular, light gray in color and their aromatic flavor is prized in seasoning and cooking. They also have medicinal properties.
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. (Exodus 16:31). And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color thereof as the color of bdellium. (Numbers 11:7).
These two references in Exodus 16:31 and Numbers 11:7 are clearly to the common coriander plant, Coriandrum sativum. This is an annual herb, 16 to 20 inches tall, with slender round stems, white or reddish flowers, deeply cut leaves, and a heavy odor. The seeds are the greyish-white seeds, about ¼ inch in diameter, quite aromatic, and contains a valuable oil used for flavoring or perfume. They are also used medicinally. (Elwell, 1988. 1709).
The coriander was found quite commonly growing along with grain in cultivated fields throughout the Holy Land. It grows wild in Egypt and was used both as a condiment and as a medicine. The leaves are quite aromatic and are used in soups and for flavoring puddings, curries, and wines. Scripture mentioned coriander seed only in connection with manna which was said to resemble coriander seeds in size, shape, and color. (Elwell, 1988. 1709).
Reference:
Elwell Walter A. and Beitzel, Barry J. (1988). Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
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MLA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne “Coriander Spice:.” Becker Bible Studies Library Mar 2015.< https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2393,>.
APA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015, March) “Coriander Spice:.” Becker Bible Studies Library. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2393,.
Chicago Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015) “Coriander Spice:.” Becker Bible Studies Library (March), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2393, (accessed).
