56 BEAN. 



east of Jordan. In the other passage it is mentioned in asso 

 ciation with the usual articles of food; and therefore it is 

 reasonable to suppose that it was an article of ordinary diet 

 not generally used among those who could afford something 

 better. It is worthy of note that the mention of the word 

 &quot;bean&quot; or &quot;pulse,&quot; which words signify the same food, occurs 

 only in connection with scenes of trial and sadness. This food 

 is associated with the exile of David, the distress of the pro 

 phet which should indicate the sorrow and ignominy of the 

 people of God, and the bitter affliction of the children of Israel 

 who accompanied Daniel. So that, while the article is spoken 

 of as food, it has always been in connection with the suffering 

 or degradation of God s people. 



