Lentils
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible [1]
Lentils ( ‘Ã¥dâshîm . Genesis 25:34 , 2Sa 17:28; 2 Samuel 23:11 , Ezekiel 4:9 ). These are without doubt the Arab [Note: Arabic.] , ‘adas a kind of small reddish bean, the product of Ervum lens , a small leguminous plant 6 or 8 inches high, much cultivated in Palestine, and ripening in June or July. It is the bean from which the well-known revalenta , a food for invalids, is made. In Palestine a kind of ‘pottage’ known as mujedderah , universally popular, is made from it. It is of a reddish-brown colour, and is certainly the original ‘ red pottage ’ of Esau ( Genesis 25:30 ).
E. W. G. Masterman.
Smith's Bible Dictionary [2]
Lentils. (Hebrew, 'adashim ). A leguminous plant bearing seeds resembling small beans. The red pottage which Jacob prepared and for which Esau sold his birthright was made from them. Genesis 25:34. There are three or four kinds of lentils, all of which are much esteemed in those countries where they are grown, namely, the south of Europe, Asia and north Africa. The red lentil is still a favorite article of food in the East. Lentil bread is eaten by the poor of Egypt. The lentil is much used with other pulse in Roman Catholic countries during Lent; and some are of the opinion that, from this usage, the season derives its name.
Morrish Bible Dictionary [3]
adashim. The small seeds of different kinds of vetch used for food. The Arabic name is Adas. When ground, the meal can be made into a palatable red pottage. Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 23:11 . Lentils formed part of the provisions furnished to David and his followers on the revolt of Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:28 . They were also used in a time of scarcity, and among the poor, as an ingredient of their bread. Ezekiel 4:9 . The Ervum lens is cultivated in Palestine.
Holman Bible Dictionary [4]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
len´tilz ( עדשׁים , ‛ădhāshı̄m ; φακός , phakós ; Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; 2 Samuel 23:11; Ezekiel 4:9; the King James Version Lentiles): These are undoubtedly identical with the Arabic ‛adas , a small, reddish bean, the product of Ervum lens , a dwarf leguminous plant, half a foot high, which is extensively cultivated in Palestine as a summer crop. The flour is highly nutritious, and the well-known food, Revalenta arabica , is simply one form, specially prepared; ‛adas are highly esteemed in Palestine, and are used in soup and as a "pottage" known as mujedderah . This last is of a reddish-brown color and is without doubt the "pottage" of Genesis 25:34 . Lentils were part of the provisions brought to David when fleeing from Absalom ( 2 Samuel 17:28 ) and were used in the making of the bread for the prophet Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 4:9 ). In a "plot of ground full of lentils," Shammah, one of David's "mighty men," stood and defended it and slew the marauding Philistines ( 2 Samuel 23:11 , 2 Samuel 23:12 ).
