From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

Jesus Christ, while teaching his disciples, told them that they were the “salt of the earth.” That phrase is still used today.  Many who use that phrase use it as a compliment, and rightly so.  Understanding biblical culture helps us not only understand that phrase, but the next phrase Jesus spoke as well.

Jesus taught his disciples many things on the occasion referred to as “the sermon on the mount.”  At one point, he compared them to both salt and light.  He told them that they were the salt of the earth and that they were the light of the world.  He then elaborated on both of those comparisons.

In a previous Eastern Eye article I wrote about the significance of “salt” in the Bible:

Salt is a necessity of life. Since ancient times it has been used in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a symbolic part of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange.  The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.

Jesus compared the disciples to salt, but also pointed out that salt can lose its savor, in which case it would then be good for nothing.  So how does salt lose its savor?  Understanding the biblical culture gives us a better understanding.

Salt Jars

In Bible times, salt was kept in large earthen jars.  Whenever salt was needed one would simply go to the salt jar and get what was needed. However, it was common that when water would get on the floor, it would seep into the bottom of the jar, causing the salt at the bottom to lose its saltiness.

When the jar was nearly empty and one would find the now unsalted salt, they would simply toss it out into the street.  It was no longer good for any purpose.

While Jesus told his disciples that they were the salt of the earth, he also warned them that they could lose their salty savor. In other words, the great qualities of salt, like, loyalty, durability, permanence, etc. were qualities that one must continue to maintain.

You Are The Light Of The World

He also told them that they were the light of the world, but reminded them that they needed to let their light shine and not hide their light.  In Bible times, light came from oil lamps.  These oil lamps were often in a house, on small lamp stands, thus giving light to all in the room.

In comparing the disciples to being the “light of the world,” he instructed them to not hide their light.  They were to let their light so shine that others could see their good works and end up glorifying the heavenly Father.

We can let our lights shine too.  We can let people see the light of the truth of God’s Word.  We can let them see what God is doing in our own lives so that our heavenly Father gets the glory.

We can also keep our savor.  We can choose to not compromise on our character and the qualities of life that really matter.  Without those great qualities in our lives, we would lose our savor and our effectiveness in bringing a message of deliverance to a world that desperately needs it.

Matthew 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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