Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
A grain much cultivated in Egypt (Ex. 9:31) and in Palestine (Lev. 27:16; Dt. 8:8). It was usually the food of horses (1 Ki. 4:28). Barley bread was used by the poorer people (Judg. 7:13; 2 Ki. 4:42). Barley of the first crop was ready for the harvest by the time of the Passover, in the middle of April (Ruth 1:22; 2 Sam. 21:9). Mention is made of barley-meal (Num. 5:15). Our Lord fed five thousand with "five barley loaves and two small fishes" (Jn. 6:9).