Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Agricultural Context: Fallowground refers to land that has been plowed and tilled but left unseeded for one or more growing seasons. This practice is common in agriculture to allow the soil to recover its nutrients and improve its fertility for future planting. In biblical times, fallowing was an essential part of sustainable farming, ensuring that the land remained productive over the long term. Biblical References: The concept of fallowground is mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing spiritual renewal and repentance. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah uses the imagery of fallowground to call the people of Israel to repentance and spiritual renewal. Jeremiah 4:3 states, "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.'" Here, the unplowed ground represents the hardened hearts of the people, and the call is to prepare their hearts for the seeds of righteousness. Similarly, the prophet Hosea uses this imagery in 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." This verse emphasizes the need for spiritual preparation and the pursuit of righteousness, likening it to the agricultural practice of preparing the soil for planting. Spiritual Significance: In a spiritual context, fallowground symbolizes the state of a person's heart or life that needs to be prepared for spiritual growth and renewal. Just as fallowground must be broken up and made ready for planting, individuals are called to examine their hearts, remove any obstacles to spiritual growth, and be receptive to God's word and guidance. The breaking up of fallowground is often associated with repentance, a turning away from sin, and a readiness to receive God's blessings. It is a call to self-examination and a willingness to change, allowing God to work in one's life to produce the fruits of righteousness. Application in Christian Life: The imagery of fallowground serves as a powerful reminder for believers to continually assess their spiritual condition. It encourages Christians to engage in regular self-reflection, repentance, and renewal, ensuring that their hearts remain fertile ground for God's word. By breaking up the fallowground of their hearts, believers can experience spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. In practical terms, this may involve setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, and meditation, as well as seeking forgiveness and making amends where necessary. It is a call to be proactive in one's spiritual journey, allowing God to cultivate a life that bears the fruits of the Spirit. Easton's Bible Dictionary The expression, "Break up your fallow ground" (Hosea 10:12; Jeremiah 4:3) means, "Do not sow your seed among thorns", i.e., break off all your evil habits; clear your hearts of weeds, in order that they may be prepared for the seed of righteousness. Land was allowed to lie fallow that it might become more fruitful; but when in this condition, it soon became overgrown with thorns and weeds. The cultivator of the soil was careful to "break up" his fallow ground, i.e., to clear the field of weeds, before sowing seed in it. So says the prophet, "Break off your evil ways, repent of your sins, cease to do evil, and then the good seed of the word will have room to grow and bear fruit." Thesaurus Fallowground/f/fallowground.htm - 7k Fallow-ground Fallow-deer (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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