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Figs
Beginning
in the Garden of Eden, the fig, with its astonishin g health-giving and healing
powers, is mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible. In fact it is the first
fruit specifically named in Genesis (3:7) the leaves of fig tree used for
covering nakedness.
The fig held great importance as one of the
‘seven species” with which the HOLY Land was blessed. In biblical terms, the fig
is a symbol of peace, prosperity and great joy. (1 kings 4:25). Figs, either
fresh or dried, have been prized since ancient times for their sweetness and
nutritional value. Greek and roman athletes ate figs to increase their stamina
and improve their performance. There was the time, the bible tells us, when
Hezekiah, the king Judah (727-699 B.C), was “….. sick even to death…….”He was
visited by the prophet Isaiah who”…….ordered that they should take a lump of
figs and lay it as a plaster upon the wound, and that he should be
healed.”(Isaiah 38:1-2)In some versions,” wound is translated as boil,” which
some bible scholars believe actually meant a form of cancer. According to the
story, the fig treatment was so effective that Hezekiah lived ad ruled for
another 15 years. Much of the fig’s medicinal value is due to its high levels of
fiber,magnesium,potassium,vitamin C and other nutrients.
one study found that
the fruit fiber in figs is linked to reduced systolic blood pressure(Upper
number, representing pressure during heart’s
contractions).All fiber is associated with reduced diastolic blood pressure.
Figs also contain vitamin B6, which has been shown to help women to cope with
the stress and tension. The fig substance, the investigators added,”…proved more
markedly effective on human malignant tumors than on experimental tumors in
mice.
Figs used as
food:-1 samuel 30:12. Figs sent as present: 1 samuel 25;12. Figs used
for healing:-isaiah 38:21. Figs are
figurative of :- prosperity and peace:1 kings 4;25. Righteousness and the
wickedness:Jeremiah 24:1-10. Barren religion :Matthew 21;19 . Final
judgment ;-Rev 6:113. Even today in the middle east, a component of dried
fruits is a popular dessert!......
At one Abigail hastened and took …..two hundred
cakes of pressed figs…..(1 Samuel 25:18).
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