Topical Encyclopedia A barn, in biblical times, was a structure used for storing grain and other agricultural produce. It is often mentioned in the Scriptures as a symbol of God's provision and the importance of stewardship. The concept of a barn is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Bible.Old Testament References: 1. Genesis 41:48-49 · During the time of Joseph in Egypt, barns played a crucial role in storing the surplus grain during the seven years of abundance. "Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance and stored it in the cities. In every city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure." 2. Proverbs 3:9-10 · The book of Proverbs highlights the blessing of honoring God with one's wealth, which includes the promise of full barns. "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." 3. Joel 1:17 · The prophet Joel describes a time of judgment and desolation, where the barns are empty due to a locust plague. "The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins, the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered." New Testament References: 1. Matthew 6:26 · Jesus uses the imagery of barns to teach about God's provision and the futility of worry. "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" 2. Luke 12:16-21 · In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus warns against greed and the false security of earthly wealth. "And He told them this parable: 'The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. So he thought to himself, "What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?" Then he said, "This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods." And I will say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.'" Symbolic and Theological Implications: In Scripture, barns symbolize the blessings of God and the responsibility of stewardship. They serve as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material accumulation. The biblical narrative encourages believers to trust in God's provision, to be generous, and to focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 6:27And he said, If the LORD do not help you, from where shall I help you? out of the barn floor, or out of the wine press? Nave's Topical Index Job 39:12 Proverbs 3:10 Joel 1:17 Haggai 2:19 Matthew 6:26 Matthew 13:30 Luke 12:18,24 Library And Judas Iscariot Of Creation in General. The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Strait Gate; The Struggler; Is God in the Camp? Ananias and Sapphira. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Christian Devotedness, Etc. Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings Resources Who will go to hell? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? | GotQuestions.org What is a Christmas nativity? | GotQuestions.org Barn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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