Topical Encyclopedia Reaping, in biblical terms, often refers to the act of gathering a harvest. It is a process that follows sowing and is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths, moral principles, and divine justice. The concept of reaping is deeply embedded in the agricultural society of biblical times and serves as a powerful symbol in both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, reaping is primarily associated with the physical act of harvesting crops. The Law of Moses contains specific instructions regarding reaping, emphasizing justice and provision for the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 states, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." Reaping is also used metaphorically to describe the consequences of one's actions. In Hosea 8:7 , the prophet warns, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." This passage illustrates the principle that actions, particularly those against God's will, have inevitable and often amplified consequences. New Testament References The New Testament continues to use the metaphor of reaping to convey spiritual truths. In the teachings of Jesus, reaping is often linked to the Kingdom of God and the final judgment. In Matthew 13:30 , Jesus uses the parable of the wheat and the tares to illustrate the separation of the righteous from the wicked: "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 into my barn.'" The Apostle Paul frequently employs the metaphor of sowing and reaping to teach about moral and spiritual laws. In Galatians 6:7-8 , he writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Spiritual Implications Reaping, as a spiritual principle, underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's will. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, both in this life and in the life to come. The principle of reaping what one sows is a call to righteousness and a warning against sin. It encourages believers to sow seeds of faith, love, and obedience, with the assurance that such sowing will yield a harvest of blessings and eternal life. Eschatological Significance In eschatological contexts, reaping is associated with the end times and the final judgment. Revelation 14:15 depicts an angel proclaiming, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." This imagery highlights the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate gathering of His people. Reaping, therefore, is a multifaceted concept in Scripture, rich with agricultural, moral, and eschatological significance. It serves as a vivid reminder of the divine order and the certainty of God's justice and mercy. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 129:7With which the mower fills not his hand; nor he that binds sheaves his bosom. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Walking with God The Strait Gate; Matt. xvii. 10 Biographical Preface. Psalms Homilies on the Gospel of John. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The Prophet Amos. Resources What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping? | GotQuestions.orgIs “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about karma? | GotQuestions.org Reaping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reaping is the Cutting of the Corn in Harvest Reaping: A Time of Great Rejoicing Reaping: Both Men and Women Engaged In Reaping: Corn After, Was Bound up Into Sheaves Reaping: Gathering in Souls to God Reaping: General Scriptures Concerning Reaping: Ministers Receiving Temporal Provision for Spiritual Reaping: Mode of Gathering the Corn For, Alluded To Reaping: Often Unprofitable on Account of Sin Reaping: Persons Engaged in Fed by the Master Who Himself Presided at Their Meals Reaping: Persons Engaged in Received Wages Reaping: Persons Engaged in Under the Guidance of a Steward Reaping: Persons Engaged in Visited by the Master Reaping: Receiving the Reward of Righteousness Reaping: Receiving the Reward of Wickedness Reaping: The Ark of the Covenant Returned by the Philistines at the Time of Reaping: The Jews not to Reap: During the Sabbatical Year Reaping: The Jews not to Reap: During the Year of Jubilee Reaping: The Jews not to Reap: The Corners of Their Fields Reaping: The Jews not to Reap: The Fields of Others Reaping: The Jews often Hindered From, on Account of Their Sins Reaping: The Judgments of God on the Antichristian World Related Terms Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) |
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