Raisins

Raisins (tsimmuqim in Hebrew, dried grapes pressed into cakes) were a common preserved food of ancient Israel, used as provisions for travel and military campaigns and as gifts. David received a gift of raisins among other provisions when fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:1–2), and the people of Israel who came to make him king at Hebron brought raisin cakes along with other foods (1 Chronicles 12:40). The context of 2 Samuel 6:19 (David distributing raisin cakes to the entire assembly) and Song of Solomon 2:5 (sustain me with raisin cakes) suggests they were considered strengthening and festive. Hosea 3:1 mentions raisin cakes in a cultic context associated with Canaanite worship.