Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "garner" refers to a storehouse or granary where grain and other produce are collected and stored. The concept of garnering is often used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths, particularly concerning God's provision, judgment, and the gathering of His people.Old Testament References 1. Provision and Blessing: The garner is frequently associated with God's provision and blessing upon His people. In Deuteronomy 28:8 , it is written, "The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in everything to which you put your hand, and He will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Here, the garner symbolizes the abundance and prosperity that come from obedience to God's commandments. 2. Judgment and Consequence: Conversely, the absence of a full garner is sometimes depicted as a consequence of disobedience. In Joel 1:17 , the prophet laments, "The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins, the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away." This imagery serves as a warning of the desolation that follows when the people turn away from God. New Testament References 1. Spiritual Harvest: In the New Testament, the concept of garnering is often used in the context of spiritual harvest and judgment. In Matthew 3:12 , John the Baptist speaks of Jesus, saying, "His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." The garner here represents the gathering of the righteous, while the chaff symbolizes those who are not part of God's kingdom. 2. Parables of Jesus: Jesus frequently used agricultural metaphors to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Weeds, found in Matthew 13:30 , He says, "Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters, 'First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" The barn, or garner, is a place of safety and preservation for the righteous, contrasting with the fate of the wicked. Symbolism and Application The garner serves as a powerful symbol throughout Scripture, representing both the physical and spiritual realities of God's interaction with humanity. It underscores themes of provision, blessing, judgment, and the ultimate gathering of God's people. The imagery of the garner invites believers to reflect on their own spiritual state and the importance of being gathered into God's eternal kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 3:12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Nave's Topical Index Library Preface. From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... The Strait Gate; Difficulties and Objections The Classes and the Masses An American Reformer. An American Reformer The Life of Mr. Robert Blair. Prophecies Fulfilled. Prophecies Fulfilled Resources Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view comedy? | GotQuestions.org Garner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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