Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "husbandmen" referred to those who worked the land, primarily as farmers or vine dressers. This occupation was vital in the agrarian society of ancient Israel and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. The role of husbandmen is depicted in various contexts, illustrating both the physical and spiritual dimensions of their labor.Old Testament References The concept of husbandry is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," establishing the divine mandate for humans to cultivate and steward the earth. The Hebrew word for husbandman, "ʾikkār," is often translated as "farmer" or "tiller of the ground." In the Mosaic Law, husbandmen were given specific instructions regarding the land. Leviticus 25:3-4 commands, "For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD." This sabbatical year underscored the importance of trusting in God's provision and recognizing His sovereignty over creation. The role of husbandmen is also highlighted in the prophetic literature. Isaiah 28:24-26 speaks of the wisdom God imparts to farmers: "Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? ... His God instructs and teaches him the right way." This passage illustrates the divine guidance given to those who work the land. New Testament References In the New Testament, the imagery of husbandmen is used in parables to convey spiritual truths. One of the most notable examples is the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41, Mark 12:1-9, Luke 20:9-16). In this parable, a landowner plants a vineyard and leases it to husbandmen. When the owner sends servants to collect his share of the fruit, the tenants beat and kill them. Finally, they kill the owner's son. This parable serves as an allegory for Israel's rejection of the prophets and ultimately the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul also employs agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual labor. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, he writes, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul likens the work of ministry to that of husbandmen, emphasizing the collaborative effort and divine agency in spiritual growth. Spiritual Significance The occupation of husbandmen carries profound spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. It symbolizes the partnership between human effort and divine blessing. Just as husbandmen rely on the natural processes established by God, believers are called to labor in faith, trusting in God's provision and timing. Moreover, the imagery of husbandry is often used to describe the relationship between God and His people. In John 15:1-2, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful." This passage highlights the nurturing and corrective role of God as the ultimate husbandman, tending to His vineyard, the Church. Throughout Scripture, the role of husbandmen serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the dynamics of faith, obedience, and divine stewardship. The biblical portrayal of husbandmen underscores the importance of diligence, patience, and reliance on God's providence in both physical and spiritual endeavors. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Husbandman.Library The Wicked Husbandmen. The Wicked Husbandmen. The Husbandmen C. The Parable of the Husbandmen. Ch. 20:9-18 Group --The Two Sons, the Wicked Husbandmen, and the Marriage of ... Epistle xix. To the Husbandmen (Colonos) of the Syracusan ... We See How the Husbandmen have a Method for Separating the Chaff.. ... The Wicked Husbandmen. The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ... In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ... Thesaurus Vine-growers (13 Occurrences)... Matthew 21:35 and the husbandmen having taken his servants, one they scourged, and one they killed, and one they stoned. (See NAS). ... /v/vine-growers.htm - 9k Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Fruits (109 Occurrences) Vinedressers (4 Occurrences) Bondman (108 Occurrences) Due (93 Occurrences) Bondmen (117 Occurrences) Beaten (73 Occurrences) Season (101 Occurrences) Digged (37 Occurrences) Resources What is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHusbandmen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Husbandmen (21 Occurrences)Matthew 21:34 Matthew 21:35 Matthew 21:38 Matthew 21:40 Matthew 21:41 Mark 12:1 Mark 12:2 Mark 12:7 Mark 12:9 Luke 20:9 Luke 20:10 Luke 20:14 Luke 20:16 2 Timothy 2:6 2 Kings 25:12 2 Chronicles 26:10 Isaiah 61:5 Jeremiah 14:4 Jeremiah 31:24 Jeremiah 52:16 Joel 1:11 Subtopics Related Terms Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Fellow-workmen (5 Occurrences) |