Definition and Description:

The term "harvestman" commonly refers to a group of arachnids known scientifically as Opiliones. These creatures are often mistaken for spiders due to their long legs and small body, but they belong to a distinct order. Unlike spiders, harvestmen have a single, fused body segment and lack venom glands and silk-producing abilities. They are known for their scavenging habits, feeding on a variety of organic matter, including plant material and small insects.

Biblical Context:

While the specific term "harvestman" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of harvest and the imagery associated with it is prevalent throughout Scripture. The harvest is often used metaphorically to represent the gathering of people, the end times, or the results of one's labor. For example, in the Book of Matthew, Jesus uses the harvest as a metaphor for the end of the age: "The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels" (Matthew 13:39).

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In a biblical context, the harvestman can be seen as a symbol of the diligent worker in the field of God's creation. The harvest itself is a time of gathering and celebration, a culmination of hard work and divine blessing. The imagery of the harvest is used to convey themes of judgment, reward, and the fulfillment of God's promises. In the Old Testament, the harvest is often associated with God's provision and faithfulness, as seen in the Feast of Weeks, also known as the Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23:16).

Theological Significance:

Theologically, the concept of the harvest is significant in understanding God's plan for humanity. It represents both the physical and spiritual gathering of God's people. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the harvest in terms of evangelism and the spread of the Gospel: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37). This highlights the urgency and importance of spreading the message of salvation.

Practical Application:

For believers, the metaphor of the harvest serves as a reminder of their role in God's kingdom. Just as the harvestman diligently works in the fields, Christians are called to labor in the spiritual fields, sharing the Gospel and living out their faith. The harvest is a time of joy and celebration, reflecting the joy of bringing others into the knowledge of Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the harvest was a critical time of year, marking the end of the growing season and the beginning of a period of rest and celebration. It was a time when communities came together to gather crops and give thanks to God for His provision. The harvest festivals, such as the Feast of Tabernacles, were times of communal worship and gratitude.

Conclusion:

The imagery of the harvest and the role of the harvestman, though not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, provide rich symbolism for understanding the Christian life and the mission of the Church. Through diligent work and faithful service, believers participate in the spiritual harvest, anticipating the ultimate gathering of God's people at the end of the age.1. (n.) A man engaged in harvesting.

2. (n.) See Daddy longlegs.

7114. qatsar -- to be short
... cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, loathe, mourn, reaper,
A primitive root; to dock off, ie Curtail (transitive or ...
/hebrew/7114.htm - 5k

The Mystery
A Key to the Apocalypse. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth
the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the ...
/g/gathereth.htm - 26k

Harvestman (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harvestman (3 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 2:6 The harvestman
who labours in the field must be the first to get a share of the crop. (WEY). ...
/h/harvestman.htm - 7k

Labours (19 Occurrences)
... Father; (WEY). 2 Timothy 2:6 The harvestman who labours in the field must
be the first to get a share of the crop. (WEY). Revelation ...
/l/labours.htm - 12k

Gleaning (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing corn,
and reapeth the ears with his arm; yea, it shall be as when one gleaneth ears ...
/g/gleaning.htm - 12k

Gleaneth (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing grain,
and his arm reapeth the ears; yea, it shall be as when one gleaneth ears in ...
/g/gleaneth.htm - 7k

Reph'aim (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing corn,
and reapeth the ears with his arm; yea, it shall be as when one gleaneth ears ...
/r/reph'aim.htm - 11k

Reapeth (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth
the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the ...
/r/reapeth.htm - 7k

Carcases (24 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as
dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none ...
/c/carcases.htm - 14k

Carcasses (30 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:22 Speak, Thus saith Jehovah, The dead bodies of men shall fall as dung
upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman; and none shall ...
/c/carcasses.htm - 15k

Carcase (38 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as
dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none ...
/c/carcase.htm - 21k

Harvestman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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