In biblical times, agriculture was a central aspect of daily life and economy, and the role of the plower was crucial in preparing the land for sowing seeds. The act of plowing is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both physical labor and spiritual truths.

Old Testament References

The practice of plowing is first mentioned in Genesis 45:6, where Joseph speaks of the famine in Egypt, highlighting the importance of agricultural work: "For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting." This underscores the dependency of ancient societies on successful plowing and subsequent harvests.

In 1 Samuel 13:20, the Philistines' control over Israel is illustrated by their restriction on metalworking, forcing the Israelites to go to them to sharpen their plowshares: "So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his ax, or his sickle." This passage reflects the strategic importance of plowing tools in sustaining a nation.

The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of plowing to convey spiritual truths. In Isaiah 28:24-25, he writes, "Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?" Here, the process of plowing is likened to God's preparation of His people, emphasizing the necessity of readiness and cultivation for spiritual growth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, plowing is used metaphorically to describe commitment to the Kingdom of God. In Luke 9:62, Jesus states, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This powerful metaphor illustrates the dedication required of Christ's followers, emphasizing that once one commits to following Him, there should be no turning back or divided focus.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Plowing in the Bible often symbolizes preparation and readiness. Just as the soil must be prepared to receive seeds, so must the human heart be prepared to receive God's word. Hosea 10:12 encourages, "Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain." This verse calls believers to prepare their hearts for spiritual renewal and blessing.

Furthermore, the act of plowing can represent the hard work and perseverance required in the Christian life. Proverbs 20:4 warns, "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." This proverb highlights the consequences of neglecting one's duties and the importance of diligence in spiritual and practical matters.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, plowing was typically done with a wooden plow pulled by oxen or donkeys. The plow would break up the soil, making it suitable for planting. This labor-intensive process was essential for a successful harvest and was often a communal activity, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites.

The imagery of plowing also appears in prophetic visions of peace and restoration. In Micah 4:3, the prophet envisions a future where nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," symbolizing a time of peace when tools of war are transformed into instruments of agriculture.

In summary, the concept of plowing in the Bible serves as a rich metaphor for spiritual preparation, commitment, and the transformative power of God's work in the lives of His people. Through the diligent labor of plowing, both physical and spiritual harvests are made possible, reflecting the divine order and purpose in creation.2790a. charash -- to cut in, engrave, plow, devise
... devise NASB Word Usage devise (4), devises (2), do (1), engraved (1), farmer plow
(1), implements (1), plotting (1), plow (5), plowed (4), plowers plowed (1 ...
/hebrew/2790a.htm - 5k

Voluntary Suffering
... His back they tore with scourges, as was foretold by the Psalmist " The plowers
plowed upon my back, they made long their furrows (Psalm 129:3) The Jewish ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xviii voluntary suffering.htm

Psalm 129
... may Isr'el now declare; ^2Oft did they vex me from my youth,. yet not victorious
were. ^3The plowers plow'd upon my back; they long their furrows drew. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 129.htm

The Shame and Spitting
... Our blessed Redeemer gave His back to the smiters, and the plowers made deep furrows
there. O spectacle of misery! How can we bear to look thereon? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/the shame and spitting.htm

Plowers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plowers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 129:3 The plowers plowed
on my back. They made their furrows long. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). ...
/p/plowers.htm - 6k

Plowed (9 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Psalms 129:3 The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows
long. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). Jeremiah 26 ...
/p/plowed.htm - 9k

Furrows (8 Occurrences)
... You bless it with a crop. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Psalms
129:3 The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows long. ...
/f/furrows.htm - 8k

Ploweth (2 Occurrences)

/p/ploweth.htm - 6k

Plow (11 Occurrences)
... Figurative: "The plowers plowed upon my back" typified deep affliction (Psalm
129:3; compare Psalm 141:7). "Plow iniquity" is urged in the sense of "plant ...
/p/plow.htm - 15k

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