That it might be _Melanthium_, _Nigella_, or Gith, may be allowably apprehended, from the frequent use of the Seed thereof among the Jews and other Nations, as also from the Translation of _Tremellius_; and the Original implying a black Seed, which is less than Cummin, as, out of _Aben Ezra_, _Buxtorfius_ hath expounded it.
But whereas _Milium_ or Κέγχρος of the Septuagint is by ours rendred Rye, there is little similitude or affinity between those Grains; For _Milium_ is more agreeable unto _Spelta_ or Espaut, as the Dutch and others still render it.
That we meet so often with Cummin Seed in many parts of Scripture in reference unto _Judæa_, a Seed so abominable at present unto our Palates and Nostrils, will not seem strange unto any who consider the frequent use thereof among the Ancients, not onely in medical but dietetical use and practice: For their Dishes were filled therewith, and the noblest festival preparations in _Apicius_ were not without it: And even in the _Polenta_, and parched Corn, the old Diet of the Romans, (as _Pliny_ recordeth) unto every Measure they mixed a small proportion of Lin-seed and Cummin-seed.
And so Cummin is justly set down among things of vulgar and common use, when it is said in _Matthew_ 23. v. 23. _You pay Tithe of Mint, Annise and Cummin_: but how to make out the translation of Annise we are still to seek, there being no word in that Text which properly signifieth Annise: the Original being Ἄνηθον, which the Latins call _Anethum_, and is properly englished Dill.
That among many expressions, allusions and illustrations made in Scripture from Corns, there is no mention made of Oats, so usefull a Grain among us, will not seem very strange unto you, till you can clearly discover that it was a Grain of ordinary use in those parts; who may also find that _Theophrastus_, who is large about other Grains, delivers very little of it. That _Dioscorides_ is also very short therein. And _Galen_ delivers that it was of some use in _Asia minor_, especially in _Mysia_, and that rather for Beasts than Men: And _Pliny_ affirmeth that the _Pulticula_ thereof was most in use among the Germans. Yet that the Jews were not without all use of this Grain seems confirmable from the Rabbinical account, who reckon five Grains liable unto their Offerings, whereof the Cake presented might be made; that is, Wheat, Oats, Rye, and two sorts of Barley.