Beans grow to about three feet. They are an annual characterized by thick stems, gray-green leaves, and white blossoms. Sowing occurred about December and blossoms followed around the third week of February. At the end of June beans were harvested along with wheat.
Beans were counted as a means of collecting votes. White beans symbolized approval with dark ones showing a negative vote on a measure (Walker).
Nelson and Smith Bible Dictionaries both refer to stews and breads made with beans, proving them to be a hearty food staple. It is also noted that they were planted in a widespread area by many people.
2 Samuel 17:26-29 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead. And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 4:9 Also take for yourself wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them into one vessel, and make bread of them for yourself. During the number of days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days, you shall eat it.
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