Topical Encyclopedia Agriculture, as depicted in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of human existence and sustenance, yet it is also portrayed as an endeavor that requires significant toil and labor. This theme is introduced early in the biblical narrative and is woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the realities of agrarian life in ancient times.The Curse and Toil The necessity of toil in agriculture is first mentioned in the context of the Fall. After Adam and Eve's disobedience, God pronounces a curse upon the ground, making agricultural labor arduous. Genesis 3:17-19 states, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This passage underscores the idea that agriculture, while essential for survival, is marked by hardship and effort as a consequence of sin. The Role of Diligence The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in agricultural pursuits. Proverbs 12:11 notes, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This proverb highlights the necessity of consistent labor and the folly of neglecting one's responsibilities. Similarly, Proverbs 28:19 reiterates, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." Seasonal Labor and Dependence on God Agricultural toil is also depicted in the context of seasonal labor and the dependence on God's provision. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot." This passage reflects the cyclical nature of agricultural work and the necessity of aligning human efforts with the natural order established by God. Moreover, the Israelites' agricultural calendar was intertwined with their religious observances, such as the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrated the harvest and acknowledged God's provision. Deuteronomy 16:15 instructs, "For the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." Parables and Teachings of Jesus In the New Testament, Jesus frequently used agricultural imagery in His parables to convey spiritual truths, often highlighting the labor involved in farming. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), Jesus describes a farmer sowing seeds, illustrating the varied responses to the Gospel message. The parable implicitly acknowledges the farmer's toil in preparing the soil and sowing the seed, as well as the dependence on favorable conditions for a fruitful harvest. Paul's Metaphors of Labor The Apostle Paul also employs agricultural metaphors to describe the Christian life and ministry, emphasizing the necessity of labor and perseverance. In 2 Timothy 2:6 , Paul writes, "The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." This metaphor underscores the principle that diligent labor in spiritual matters, much like in agriculture, yields a reward. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, agriculture is depicted as an endeavor that requires toil, diligence, and reliance on God's provision. This theme serves as a reminder of the realities of life in a fallen world and the virtues of hard work and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 2 Timothy 2:6The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. Nave's Topical Index Library Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. The Bequest of Peace. Psalm XXXIX. Chapter iii Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Translated from Latin of Rufinus. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Who was Tammuz? | GotQuestions.orgIs Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org Agriculture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by Allotments to Each Family Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by Separation from Other Nations Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by The Prohibition Against Usury Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by The Promises of God's Blessings On Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by The Rights of Redemption Agriculture or Farming: Beasts Used in The Donkey Agriculture or Farming: Beasts Used in The Horse Agriculture or Farming: Beasts Used in The Ox Agriculture or Farming: Climate of Canaan Favourable To Agriculture or Farming: Contributes to the Support of All Agriculture or Farming: Culture of the Church Agriculture or Farming: Culture of the Heart Agriculture or Farming: Diligence In, Abundantly Recompensed Agriculture or Farming: Enactments to Protect: Against Injuring the Produce of Agriculture or Farming: Enactments to Protect: Against the Trespass of Cattle Agriculture or Farming: Enactments to Protect: Not to Covet the Fields of Another Agriculture or Farming: Enactments to Protect: Not to Cut Down Crops of Another Agriculture or Farming: Enactments to Protect: Not to Move Landmarks Agriculture or Farming: Grief Occasioned by the Failure of the Fruits of Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Axe Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Cart Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Fan Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Flail Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Fork Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Harrow Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Mattock Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Plough Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Pruning-Hook Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Shovel Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Sickle Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Sieve Agriculture or Farming: Implements of The Teethed Threshing Instrument Agriculture or Farming: Man Doomed to Labour In, After the Fall Agriculture or Farming: Not to be Engaged in During the Sabbatical Year Agriculture or Farming: Often Performed by Hirelings Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Binding Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Digging Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Gathering out the Stones Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Gleaning Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Grafting Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Harrowing Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Hedging Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Manuring Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Mowing Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Planting Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Ploughing Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Pruning Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Reaping Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Sowing Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Stacking Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Storing in Barns Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Threshing Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Watering Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Weeding Agriculture or Farming: Operations in Winnowing Agriculture or Farming: Patriarchs Engaged In Agriculture or Farming: Peace Favourable To Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Husbandmen Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Labourers Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Tillers of the Ground Agriculture or Farming: Produce of, Exported Agriculture or Farming: Produce of, Given As Rent for Land Agriculture or Farming: Produce of, often Blasted Because of Sin Agriculture or Farming: Rendered Laborious by the Curse on the Earth Agriculture or Farming: Requires: Diligence Agriculture or Farming: Requires: Patience in Waiting Agriculture or Farming: Requires: Toil Agriculture or Farming: Requires: Wisdom Agriculture or Farming: Soil of Canaan Suited To Agriculture or Farming: The Cultivation of the Earth Agriculture or Farming: The Jews Loved and Followed Agriculture or Farming: The Labour of, Supposed to be Lessened by Noah Agriculture or Farming: The Occupation of Man Before the Fall Agriculture or Farming: The Providence of God to be Acknowledged in the Produce of Agriculture or Farming: War Destructive To Agriculture: Called Tiller of the Ground Agriculture: Divine Institution of Agriculture: Fruits Blasted Because of Sin Agriculture: God to be Acknowledged In Agriculture: Persons Engaged In, Called Husbandmen Agriculture: Planters of Vineyards, Exempted from Military Service Agriculture: Practiced by Cain Agriculture: Practiced by David Agriculture: Practiced by Elisha Agriculture: Practiced by Noah Agriculture: Practiced by Solomon Agriculture: Practiced by Uzziah Agriculture: Requires Diligence Agriculture: Requires Patience Agriculture: Sowing Wheat, But Reaping Thorns Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) |
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