Miracle Foods of the Bible: Honey

Honey is more than just a sweet treat brought to us by the hard-working bee. It is a food that has healing properties as well. Additionally, honey is the only food that never spoils. Bees make honey by collecting nectar, carrying it back to the hive. They then mix it with a special enzyme in their bodies, and deposit it into sections of the honeycomb. Then, they absorb most of the water, giving honey its thickness. It is a pretty miraculous process. Also amazing, is honey's ability to heal and sustain. Here is what The Bible has to say about honey:

Genesis 43:11Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift--a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

2 Samuel 17:29...honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, "The people have become hungry and tired and thirsty in the desert."

Exodus 13:5 When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites-the land he swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey-you are to observe this ceremony in this month.

2 Chronicles 31:5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the first fruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

It is also notable that The Bible specifically mentions that John the Baptist survived on locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).

In addition to the several mentions of honey in The Bible, this golden gift from God contains many healing properties. Honey has been used for centuries for its antibacterial properties in the aid of treating and healing wounds. Additionally, its antibacterial properties and ability to coat, makes honey ideal for stomach upset, and to treat sore throats. Honey also makes a soothing facial wash, calming and softening skin.

Why was honey so regarded in The Bible? Perhaps it is because of its many healing qualities, and the fact that it never spoils. Maybe because it is very portable to make, so long as one keeps bees it can be made anywhere bees and flowers can survive. It is clearly an important food, as it is mentioned throughout The Bible in several scriptures and circumstances. Only God could have orchestrated such a miracle food as honey. So, the next time you stir some honey into your tea, thank God for this amazing, sweet, healing gift.