Grazing, the act of feeding on grass and other low vegetation, is a significant activity in the biblical context, particularly in relation to pastoral life and agriculture. The practice of grazing is deeply intertwined with the livelihood of many biblical figures and is often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths.

Biblical Context and Significance

In the ancient Near East, grazing was a primary means of sustaining livestock, which were crucial to the economy and daily life. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were primarily shepherds and herdsmen, and their wealth was often measured by the size of their flocks and herds. Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as "very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold," highlighting the importance of grazing in accumulating wealth.

The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, was described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating its suitability for grazing and agriculture. The abundance of pastureland was a sign of God's provision and blessing.

Grazing in the Law and Prophets

The Mosaic Law contains specific regulations regarding grazing. For instance, in Exodus 22:5 , it is stated, "If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray so that they graze in another man's field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard." This law underscores the importance of respecting property boundaries and maintaining community harmony.

The prophets also use imagery related to grazing to convey messages from God. In Isaiah 40:11 , God is depicted as a shepherd: "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads the nursing ewes." This imagery emphasizes God's care and guidance for His people.

Metaphorical Use

Grazing is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual nourishment and guidance. Psalm 23:1-2 famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." Here, the psalmist portrays God as a shepherd who provides for and sustains His people, leading them to places of rest and abundance.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11 , saying, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This declaration connects the pastoral imagery of grazing with the sacrificial love and care of Christ for His followers.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Grazing practices in biblical times were often communal, with shepherds leading flocks to shared pastures. This required cooperation and trust among community members. The role of the shepherd was both humble and vital, as they protected the flock from predators and ensured their well-being.

The seasonal movement of flocks, known as transhumance, was common, with shepherds leading their animals to different grazing areas depending on the time of year. This practice is reflected in the biblical narrative, as seen in the account of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30-31, where the management and breeding of livestock are central themes.

Conclusion

Grazing, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a mere agricultural activity; it is a rich symbol of God's provision, care, and guidance. Through the imagery of shepherds and flocks, Scripture communicates profound spiritual truths about the relationship between God and His people.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Graze.

2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, grazes.

3. (n.) A pasture; growing grass.

3542. nome -- a pasture, a grazing
... a pasture, a grazing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: nome Phonetic
Spelling: (nom-ay') Short Definition: pasturage, growth Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3542.htm - 6k

3551. nomos -- that which is assigned, hence usage, law
... From a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law
(through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3551.htm - 7k

1008. botane -- grass, fodder
... Word Origin from bosko Definition grass, fodder NASB Word Usage vegetation (1).
herb. From bosko; herbage (as if for grazing) -- herb. see GREEK bosko. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1008.htm - 6k

1016. bous -- an ox, a cow
... ox. Probably from the base of bosko; an ox (as grazing), ie An animal of that species
("beef") -- ox. see GREEK bosko. (boas) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1016.htm - 6k

7462a. raah -- to pasture, tend, graze
... pasture, tend, graze NASB Word Usage consume (1), devour (1), eat (3), fed (1),
feed (16), feeding (4), feeds (4), graze (7), grazed (2), grazing (1), herdsmen ...
/hebrew/7462a.htm - 6k

5116a. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation
... Origin from an unused word Definition abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation NASB
Word Usage abode (3), dwelling (3), estate (1), fold (1), grazing ground (2 ...
/hebrew/5116a.htm - 5k

Kumaon.
... A large part of the province is so steep and rocky that it cannot be turned to any
agricultural purpose; and even for grazing purposes a large portion is of ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

Shepherd Life in the Orient.
... The oriental climate is such that they can graze nearly the whole year through;
and whether they be grazing on the wide open plains, or huddled snugly within ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/ii shepherd life in the.htm

Thou Spreadest Before Me a Table in the Presence of Mine Enemies.
... times interspersed with noxious weeds and plants, which, if eaten, would sicken
and poison the herd; while around the feeding places and grazing grounds very ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/ix thou spreadest before me.htm

Of Boasting.
... sort of company, and makes him intolerable to the better, and to compete the parallel,
he seldom comes to know himself till he be turned a-grazing, be reduced ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ix of boasting.htm

Choosing the Tens
... Wherever the soil was better for grazing great flocks of sheep moved in compact
clouds, with a lank dog and an ancient shepherd following them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

Wesleyan Mission Commenced at Goobbe.
... To these unenclosed grounds cows, sheep, etcetera, were driven out every morning,
and after grazing all day, were brought back into the town of Goobbe every ...
/.../hodson/old daniel/chapter thirteen wesleyan mission commenced.htm

Condemnation of the Greek Legislation.
... most becoming by the Persian Magi; p??derasty is condemned by the Barbarians, but
by the Romans, who endeavour to collect herds of boys like grazing horses, it ...
/.../tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxviii condemnation of the greek.htm

Feeding the Lambs.
... privilege to behold. They were quietly grazing in a rich green pasture,
near by which silently flowed a deep, broad river. To me ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/feeding the lambs.htm

The Traitors
... Israel. Seti had crossed the border into Goshen at daybreak and was now well
into the grazing-lands, yet scintillating with the rain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

Guilt of Exposing Children.
... And as the ancients are said to have reared herds of oxen, or goats, or sheep, or
grazing horses, so now we see you rear children only for this shameful use ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xxvii guilt of exposing children.htm

Grazing (6 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A pasture; growing grass. Multi-Version Concordance Grazing (6 Occurrences).
Genesis 36:24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. ...
/g/grazing.htm - 8k

Graze (11 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To tend (cattle, etc.) while grazing. ... 6. (vi) To yield grass for
grazing. 7. (vi) To touch something lightly in passing. ...
/g/graze.htm - 10k

Pasturage
... 1. (n.) Grazing ground; grass land used for pasturing; pasture. 2. (n.) Grass growing
for feed; grazing. 3. (n.) The business of feeding or grazing cattle. ...
/p/pasturage.htm - 6k

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)
... David. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A man employed in tending, feeding,
and guarding sheep, esp. a flock grazing at large. 2 ...
/s/shepherd.htm - 42k

Negeb (37 Occurrences)
... of its soil it is a transition from the fertility of Canaan to the wilderness of
the desert; it is essentially a pastoral land, where grazing is plentiful in ...
/n/negeb.htm - 26k

Negev (39 Occurrences)
... of its soil it is a transition from the fertility of Canaan to the wilderness of
the desert; it is essentially a pastoral land, where grazing is plentiful in ...
/n/negev.htm - 26k

Genneseret
... the country. Cultivation was confined to the Southwest part; and the rest
furnished grazing ground for a tribe of nomads. Recently ...
/g/genneseret.htm - 9k

Gennesaret (3 Occurrences)
... the country. Cultivation was confined to the Southwest part; and the rest
furnished grazing ground for a tribe of nomads. Recently ...
/g/gennesaret.htm - 11k

Grease (1 Occurrence)

/g/grease.htm - 7k

Grazes (2 Occurrences)

/g/grazes.htm - 7k

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