Husks
Husks [1]
husks ( κεράτια , kerátia , i.e. "little horns," Luke 15:16 ): These are the pods of the carob tree (Revised Version, margin), also called the locust tree ( Ceratonia siliqua ). This tree flourishes all over Palestine, especially on the western mountain slopes toward the sea; by the Arabs it is called kharrûb . It is dioecious, has dense, dark, evergreen foliage, glossy leaves and long, curved pods, like small horns (hence, the name). These pods which are from 4 to 9 inches in length, have a leathery case containing a pulpy substance in which the beans are imbedded; this pulp is of a pleasant, sweetish flavor and has a characteristic odor, and is much loved by children. The pods are sold in the markets, both as cattle food and for the poor, who extract by boiling them a sweetish substance like molasses. The tradition that the "locusts" of Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6 were carob pods is preserved in the name given to them, "St. John's bread," but it has little to be said for it.
