Click here to view a Garlic cloves (Allium sativum)
The Children of Israel longed for the vegetables that were abundant in Egypt as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Garlic was a staple, as were leeks and onions, in the Egyptian diet. Walker says there were several species available, each with rounded bulbs of several fleshy layers. The smaller bulblets are called cloves. These cloves grow around the main clove (Walker). We use garlic to flavor many foods worldwide today.
The plant has clear, long, ribbon-like leaves. As it flowers a globe-shaped group of blossoms appear. Each blossom has six sepals and petals.
Nelson's Bible Dictionary agrees with other sources that garlic was one commodity used as wages for workers who built the Egyptian pyramids. One hundred thousand men achieved this monumentous task over a period of 30 years. Workers ate garlic, leeks and onions valued at 1600 talents of silver. Pliny reports that the garlic plant was discovered among the Egyptian deities.
Numbers 11:5 (KJV) We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
Numbers 11:6 (KJV) But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
Numbers 11:11 (KJV) And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
Numbers 11:12 (KJV) Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?
Numbers 11:13 (KJV) Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.
Numbers 11:14 (KJV) I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
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