LENTILS (עֲדָשִׁ֔ים). First mentioned when Jacob made a red soup of lentils for his brother (Gen 25:34). It is referred to in 2 Samuel 17:28, when three farmers brought food to David and his men when they were hungry. The Philistines were gathered together at a field of lentils, where Eleazar defeated them (2 Sam 23:11). Lastly, in Ezekiel 4:9, special long-lasting bread had to be made for the “siege” with wheat, barley, beans, lentils and millet.

Lentils (Lens esculenta) are a type of vetch, and are one of the earliest crops grown. The name Lens was given because the lentils are like miniature convex lenses.

Even today, lentils are made into redcolored stews and soups; they are often flavored with garlic.

Lentils are annuals, bearing small white and violet flowers, shaped like a sweet pea. These are followed by small flat pods, inside which are found the lentils, the size of small peas. These, when boiled, turn to a brownish-yellow or chocolate-red shade. Both these colors are called “red” in the E.