Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "eared" is often associated with the agricultural practice of plowing or tilling the land. The concept of "earing" is rooted in the preparation of the soil for planting, a critical step in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. This practice is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in both literal and metaphorical senses.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 45:6 : "For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting." In this passage, Joseph speaks to his brothers about the ongoing famine in Egypt. The term "plowing" here is synonymous with "earing," indicating the absence of agricultural activity due to the severe famine. This highlights the dependency of ancient societies on successful earing and subsequent harvests for survival. 2. Exodus 34:21 : "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing and harvesting times, you must rest." This commandment underscores the importance of the Sabbath rest, even during critical agricultural periods such as earing and harvesting. It reflects the balance between diligent work and spiritual obedience, emphasizing that reliance on God should not be compromised by the demands of agricultural productivity. 3. 1 Samuel 8:12 : "He will appoint some of your sons as commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots." Here, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the demands a king will place on them, including the conscription of their sons for plowing. This illustrates the societal structure where earing was a significant duty, often associated with servitude under a monarch. Metaphorical Use: In addition to its literal meaning, "earing" is used metaphorically in the Bible to describe spiritual preparation and readiness. Just as the soil must be prepared to receive seed, so must the human heart be prepared to receive God's word. 1. Jeremiah 4:3 : "For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: 'Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among thorns.'" This metaphorical use of earing calls for spiritual renewal and repentance. The unplowed ground symbolizes a heart that is hard and resistant to God's message, needing to be broken and prepared for spiritual growth. 2. Hosea 10:12 : "Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain." Here, the prophet Hosea uses the imagery of earing to encourage the Israelites to prepare their hearts for righteousness and divine blessing. The act of breaking up unplowed ground is a call to repentance and spiritual readiness. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, earing was a labor-intensive process that required significant effort and skill. The plow, often drawn by oxen, was a vital tool in this process. The success of earing directly impacted the yield of crops, which in turn affected the community's sustenance and economic stability. The biblical emphasis on earing reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on the land's productivity. The practice of earing also had religious significance, as it was intertwined with the observance of the Sabbath and the acknowledgment of God's provision. The biblical injunctions regarding rest during plowing times served as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, who ultimately controlled the fertility of the land and the success of their labors. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Ear.2. (a.) Having (such or so many) ears; -- used in composition; as, long-eared-eared; sharp-eared; full-eared; ten-eared. 3. (a.) Having external ears; having tufts of feathers resembling ears. Library Letter of Martin Luther to Pope Leo X. Dedicatory A Selection from the Notices of Mr. Robertson's Sermons, and of ... The Traitors Here Followeth the History of Job Wisdom's Call 'God is no Respecter of Persons' The Fatherhood of God Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. " God and his Saints Thesaurus Eared (1 Occurrence)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Ear. 2. (a.) Having (such or so many) ears; -- used in composition; as, long-eared-eared; sharp-eared; full-eared; ten-eared. ... /e/eared.htm - 7k Earing (2 Occurrences) Lop (2 Occurrences) Rough (24 Occurrences) Stream (96 Occurrences) Ear (670 Occurrences) Strike (168 Occurrences) Resources Eared: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eared (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 21:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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