Much cultivated by the Hebrews (Ex. 9:31; Lev. 27:16; Deut. 8:8; Ruth 2:7). Used for bread chiefly among the poor (Judg. 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John 6:9-13); and for fodder (1 Kings 4:28). Barley harvest preceded wheat harvest (Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 2 Sam. 21:9-10).