Pasture-grounds in biblical times were essential for the sustenance and prosperity of agrarian societies, particularly for the Israelites, who were often described as shepherds and herdsmen. These areas provided the necessary resources for grazing livestock, which were integral to the economy, culture, and religious practices of the people.

Biblical References and Significance

The concept of pasture-grounds is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting their importance. In Genesis 47:4, the sons of Jacob speak to Pharaoh, saying, "We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, because the famine is severe in Canaan." This passage underscores the necessity of pasture-grounds for survival and prosperity, especially during times of scarcity.

In the Promised Land, God provided the Israelites with fertile lands, including ample pasture-grounds. Numbers 35:2-3 instructs, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the cities. They will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks, and all their other livestock." This allocation ensured that even the Levites, who had no tribal inheritance, had access to resources for their livestock.

The pastoral imagery is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe God's care for His people. Psalm 23:1-2 famously declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." Here, the green pastures symbolize God's provision, peace, and rest for His followers.

Cultural and Religious Context

Pasture-grounds were not only vital for economic reasons but also held cultural and religious significance. Livestock were used in sacrificial offerings, a central aspect of Israelite worship. Leviticus 1:2-3 states, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock." The health and availability of pasture-grounds directly impacted the quality and quantity of these offerings.

Moreover, the imagery of shepherds and their flocks is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing leadership, guidance, and care. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11, where He says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This metaphor draws on the understanding of a shepherd's role in leading sheep to safe and nourishing pasture-grounds.

Geographical Considerations

The geography of the ancient Near East, including the land of Israel, varied significantly, with some regions offering lush, fertile pastures and others being arid and barren. The hill country of Judea, the plains of Sharon, and the regions of Bashan and Gilead were known for their rich pasture-grounds. Ezekiel 34:14 describes God's promise to His people: "I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel."

Conclusion

Pasture-grounds were indispensable to the biblical world, providing sustenance for livestock and, by extension, the people. They are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology, symbolizing God's provision and care. The imagery of pastures continues to resonate as a powerful metaphor for divine guidance and sustenance.4999. naah -- habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place
... Word Origin see navah NASB Word Usage habitations (2), pasture grounds (1),
pastures (7). habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place. ...
/hebrew/4999.htm - 6k

The Divine Shepherd
... Jacob, who kept the flocks of Laban in the pasture grounds of Haran, describing
his own unwearied labor, said, "In the day the drought consumed me, and the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 52 the divine shepherd.htm

And ii.
... According to 2 Chronicles 26:10, xxvii.4, Uzziah and Jotham erected, in the woods
and pasture grounds, castles and towers for the protection and refuge of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Pasture-grounds (4 Occurrences)
Pasture-grounds. Pasture-fed, Pasture-grounds. Pastureland .
Multi-Version Concordance Pasture-grounds (4 Occurrences). ...
/p/pasture-grounds.htm - 7k

Pasture (120 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 7:8 And now, thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith Jehovah
of hosts: I took thee from the pasture-grounds, from following the sheep ...
/p/pasture.htm - 33k

Pastureland (6 Occurrences)

/p/pastureland.htm - 8k

Pasture-fed (1 Occurrence)
Pasture-fed. Pastured, Pasture-fed. Pasture-grounds . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NAS RSV NIV). Pastured, Pasture-fed. Pasture-grounds . Reference Bible
/p/pasture-fed.htm - 6k

City
... A city with suburbs was a city surrounded with open pasture-grounds, such as the
forty-eight cities which were given to the Levites (Numbers 35:2-7). There ...
/c/city.htm - 43k

Cities (427 Occurrences)
... Here the Arabs remain enjoying the warmth, of the plain till the increasing heat
of the summer's sun calls them away to their high pasturegrounds on the table ...
/c/cities.htm - 91k

Ciccar
... Here the Arabs remain enjoying the warmth, of the plain till the increasing heat
of the summer's sun calls them away to their high pasturegrounds on the table ...
/c/ciccar.htm - 14k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... Here the Arabs remain enjoying the warmth, of the plain till the increasing heat
of the summer's sun calls them away to their high pasturegrounds on the table ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

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