Throughout human history, salt has been consumed in various ways and doses. Even before we possessed the chemical knowledge to understand its essence or its role in our biology, we felt a constant hunger for it.
In prehistoric times, when humans lived primarily as hunter-gatherers, they obtained the necessary amount of salt directly from their food without needing supplements. Animal-based food contains significant amounts of salt because animals also require it and the minerals are present in their blood. While predators get their salt from their prey, even herbivores have been found to identify alternative sources, such as halophytic plants or drinking brackish water.
The Salt Covenant: Tradition and Spirit
The covenant between the People of Israel and their God is one reinforced by tradition through salt. “It is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord for you and your descendants with you” (Numbers 18:19). This is how God strikes the priestly covenant with Aaron in the desert. This same “covenant of salt” appears again when God grants the kingdom to the House of David (2 Chronicles 13:5).
A central element of the sacrificial tradition in the Temple was the sprinkling of salt. This served as a symbol of renewing and strengthening the bond (Leviticus 2:13). Ezekiel even mentions a tradition of rubbing newborn babies with salt (Ezekiel 16:4). Today, we renew this same covenant by dipping our bread in salt during the Sabbath meal.
These ancient biblical examples show how chemical and cultural elements intertwine. In the case of “salting” infants, religious traditions speak of the covenant or warding off spirits, while some believe the practice was actually rooted in disinfection.
Similarly, in Christian tradition, salt holds a central place. This is embodied in Jesus calling his disciples “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) to describe their mission to preserve their connection and strength. Ancient Arabic tribes and the tribes of Israel used salt in covenant ceremonies to symbolize persistence and eternity. To this day, a proverb remains in the local Arabic tradition: yūjad baynanā ‘aysh wa-milḥ (there is bread and salt between us). This means we are friends and there should be no conflict. In fact, the Arabic word for a covenant, milḥah, shares its root with the word for salt.
What is Salt and Why Do We Love It?
Scientifically, salt is an ionic compound of minerals. While there are various compounds called “salts,” historically we are referring to “table salt” (Sodium Chloride – NaCl) used for seasoning and preservation.
The combination of chlorine and sodium is essential for life. Just as a person needs water, they need salt. Without it, we would perish.
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Chlorine plays a central role in digestion and respiration.
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Sodium is vital for nerve conduction.
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Together, they crucially influence the osmotic pressure of body fluids.
When we lack salt, blood pressure drops to the point where the body cannot deliver blood to the heart effectively. Conversely, an excess of salt raises blood pressure, which leads to various diseases such as heart disease. Through these examples, we can understand why salt symbolizes both life and persistence, but also the power to create desolation.
Note: The average adult body contains about 250g of salt. We lose it constantly through urine, sweat, tears, and bleeding, which means we must constantly replenish our supply.
The Geography of Salt in the Land of Israel
The Land of Israel is a fascinating case study for salt. Because of the hot climate and the historically plant-based diet, salt was a vital daily additive.
There are three primary sources for salt in the region:
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The Dead Sea: This is extremely rich in minerals. In many parts, it is too bitter for food and was used primarily for Temple service.
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Mount Sodom: A unique 11 km long geological body of salt. In ancient times, processing this salt was complex because it was mixed with clay and gypsum.
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The Mediterranean: A primary source where the climate allows for natural evaporation in ponds. To this day, evaporation ponds exist in the Atlit area.
How Salt Became the “Star” of Preservation
In antiquity, the transition from nomadic life to permanent settlement increased human exposure to bacteria and disease. This created a desperate need for food preservation. Humans, who previously used salt to preserve the dead through mummification, realized they could use it to protect the living.
Today, salt is almost too available. Modern table salt is stripped of its natural trace minerals (like iodine and iron) through chemical whitening. Some of these are then added back in artificially. In the West, we have become addicted to salt. This evolution is similar to the history of opium in China. It moved from a controlled medicinal necessity to a ubiquitous, often hidden, ingredient in processed foods.
Salt is a paradox. It symbolizes the “eternity” of a covenant, yet it can represent the “desolation” of a conquered city. We see this when Abimelech sowed Shechem with salt so nothing would grow. The secret lies in the dose and the method. Much like fermenting sauerkraut, salt stops the “bad” microorganisms but allows the “good” ones to thrive. It is the ultimate tool for creating persistence rather than decay.
