2 Chronicles 31:5
edict <01697> [as soon.]
issued <06555> [came abroad. Heb. brake forth. the first fruits.]
honey <01706> [honey. or, dates.]
The word {devash} generally denotes the honey produced by bees; but as we have already observed (on Ge 43:11,) the Jewish doctors are of opinion that it here signifies dates, of the fruit of the palm tree; which the Arabians call {daboos,} and the honey produced from them, {dibs.} "This liquor," says Dr. Shaw, "which has a more luscious sweetness than honey, is of the consistence of a thin syrup, but quickly grows tart and ropy, acquiring an intoxicating quality, and giving by distillation an agreeable spirit, or arÆ’ky, according to the general name of these people for all hot liquors, extracted by the alembic." Though Jehovah forbad any {devash,} or honey, to offered to him upon the altar, yet it appears it might be presented as first-fruits, or in the way of tithes, which were designed for the sustenance of the priests.
