Provender
What Is Provender?
Provender is an old English term for animal feed, particularly mixed fodder given to livestock such as donkeys, camels, and cattle. In the Bible, it translates several Hebrew words that describe different types of animal food, from simple straw to specially mixed and seasoned feed. Understanding provender helps modern readers appreciate the agricultural world in which the Bible's stories unfold.
Biblical Appearances
Provender appears in several significant Old Testament narratives. When Abraham's servant traveled to find a wife for Isaac, Rebekah demonstrated her character by offering to draw water not only for the servant but also for his camels, and her family provided provender for the animals (Genesis 24:25, 32). This act of generosity toward animals was part of the hospitality that confirmed Rebekah as God's chosen bride for Isaac.
During Jacob's sons' journey to Egypt, they stopped at a lodging place and opened their sacks to give provender to their donkeys, only to discover their returned money (Genesis 42:27). In the story of the Levite's concubine, the old man of Gibeah provided provender for the travelers' donkeys as part of his hospitality (Judges 19:19, 21).
Types of Animal Feed
The Hebrew words translated as "provender" reveal a range of animal feeding practices. The word mispo refers to general fodder for cattle. The word belil, from a root meaning "to mix," describes a blended feed. Job 6:5 references this when asking, "Does the ox low over its fodder?" The most elaborate form appears in Isaiah 30:24, which describes "savory provender" or salted feed given to working animals. This was a mixed fodder seasoned with salt or aromatic herbs, considered a higher quality feed for animals that performed heavy labor.
Provender in Ancient Palestine
The ordinary provender in ancient Palestine included several components. Tibn, or straw broken on the threshing floor, was the most basic feed. Vetch was particularly valued for camels and milk cows. Bran was used for fattening animals and during cold weather. Occasionally, hay made from dried grasses and herbs that grew after seasonal rains supplemented the diet. The quality of provender given to animals reflected the owner's wealth and the animal's importance.
Hospitality and Animal Care
The mention of provender in biblical narratives consistently appears in the context of hospitality. Providing for a guest's animals was considered just as essential as providing food for the guest. This reflects the broader biblical ethic of animal care expressed in Proverbs 12:10, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal." Deuteronomy 25:4 similarly commands that an ox should not be muzzled while treading grain, ensuring the working animal could eat.
Spiritual Lessons
While provender itself is a mundane topic, its biblical appearances carry spiritual significance. The care shown to animals in these passages reflects the character of those who provide it. Rebekah's willingness to water ten camels demonstrated the servant's heart that made her suitable as a matriarch of Israel. God's provision extends to all His creatures, as the psalmist declares that He gives food to the cattle and young ravens when they cry (Psalm 147:9).
Biblical Context
Provender appears in Genesis 24 (Rebekah's hospitality), Genesis 42-43 (Joseph's brothers in Egypt), Judges 19 (the Levite's concubine), Job 6:5 (metaphor about fodder), and Isaiah 30:24 (salted provender for working animals). Each instance connects to themes of hospitality, provision, and care.
Theological Significance
The biblical attention to animal feed reflects God's concern for all creation. Caring for animals is presented as part of righteous living (Proverbs 12:10). The provision of provender in hospitality narratives demonstrates that generosity extends beyond human guests to include the animals that served them, echoing God's own comprehensive provision for His creation.
Historical Background
Animal husbandry was central to ancient Near Eastern life. Archaeological evidence from Palestine reveals various feeding troughs and storage facilities for animal feed. The practice of mixing and salting animal fodder, described in Isaiah 30:24, is confirmed by agricultural texts from the region. Different grades of feed corresponded to the animal's role and the season, with working animals receiving higher-quality provender.