Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, a "sheaf" refers to a bundle of grain stalks that are tied together after reaping. The concept of the sheaf is significant in various agricultural and religious contexts within the Bible, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual truths.Old Testament Context The sheaf is prominently featured in the agricultural practices of ancient Israel. In Leviticus 23:10-11 , God commands the Israelites: "Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.'" This passage introduces the "Feast of Firstfruits," where the sheaf of the firstfruits is offered to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision. The sheaf also appears in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 37:7 , Joseph recounts his dream to his brothers: "We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf." This dream foreshadows Joseph's future rise to power and the eventual submission of his brothers to him. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance The sheaf serves as a symbol of God's provision and blessing. The act of offering the first sheaf to God is an expression of faith, recognizing Him as the source of all sustenance. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience and gratitude are met with divine favor. In the prophetic literature, the sheaf can also symbolize judgment and restoration. For instance, in Micah 4:12 , the nations are gathered "like sheaves to the threshing floor," indicating a time of divine judgment and the eventual triumph of God's people. New Testament Fulfillment The concept of the sheaf finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 , Paul writes, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." Here, Christ is likened to the firstfruits, the initial sheaf offered to God, signifying the promise of a greater harvest to come—the resurrection of all believers. Cultural and Liturgical Practices In Jewish tradition, the offering of the sheaf during the Feast of Firstfruits is closely linked to the celebration of Passover and the counting of the Omer, leading up to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). This period is marked by anticipation and preparation, reflecting the spiritual journey from redemption to revelation. The sheaf, therefore, is not merely an agricultural term but a profound symbol interwoven with themes of provision, promise, and fulfillment throughout the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A sheave.2. (n.) A quantity of the stalks and ears of wheat, rye, or other grain, bound together; a bundle of grain or straw. 3. (n.) Any collection of things bound together; a bundle; specifically, a bundle of arrows sufficient to fill a quiver, or the allowance of each archer, -- usually twenty-four. 4. (v. t.) To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat. 5. (v. i.) To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make sheaves. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEAF; SHEAVESshef, shevz ('alummah, `omer, `amir): When the grain is reaped, it is laid in handfuls back of the reaper to be gathered by children or those who cannot stand the harder work of reaping (Psalm 129:7). The handfuls are bound into large sheaves, two of which are laden at a time on a donkey (compare Nehemiah 13:15). In some districts carts are used (compare Amos 2:13). The sheaves are piled about the threshing-floors until threshing time, which may be several weeks after harvest. It is an impressive sight to see the huge stacks of sheaves piled about the threshing-floors, the piles often covering an area greater than the nearby villages (see AGRICULTURE). The ancient Egyptians bound their grain into small sheaves, forming the bundles with care so that the heads were equally distributed between the two ends (see Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians, 1878, II, 424; compare Joseph's dream, Genesis 37:5-8). The sheaves mentioned in Genesis 37:10-12, 15 must have been handfuls. It is a custom in parts of Syria for the gatherers of the sheaves to run toward a passing horseman and wave a handful of grain, shouting kemshi, kemshi (literally, "handful"). They want the horseman to feed the grain to his horse. In Old Testament times forgotten sheaves had to be left for the sojourner (Deuteronomy 24:19); compare the kindness shown to Ruth by the reapers of Boaz (Ruth 2:7, 15). Strong's Hebrew 485. alummah -- a sheaf... 484, 485. alummah. 486 . a sheaf. Transliteration: alummah Phonetic Spelling: (al-oom-maw') Short Definition: sheaves. Word ... 3). sheaf. ... /hebrew/485.htm - 6k 6016. omer -- a sheaf 6016a. omer -- a sheaf 5995. amir -- a swath, row of fallen grain 6194. aremah -- a heap Library A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows I am Told that He Also Carps at Me for the Translation I have ... The Trials and visions of Devout Youth "The Lord is Risen" Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ... The Story of Joseph Joseph and his Brethren Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren The Passover visit The Certainty and Joy of the Resurrection Thesaurus Sheaf (11 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEAF; SHEAVES. ... /s/sheaf.htm - 12k Sheaves (13 Occurrences) Obeisance (45 Occurrences) Wave (65 Occurrences) Firstfruits (37 Occurrences) First-fruits (45 Occurrences) Erect (17 Occurrences) Binding (23 Occurrences) Passover (81 Occurrences) Suddenly (87 Occurrences) Resources What was the firstfruits offering? Should Christians give a firstfruits offering today? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.org What are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Sheaf: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheaf (11 Occurrences)Genesis 37:7 Leviticus 23:10 Leviticus 23:11 Leviticus 23:12 Leviticus 23:15 Deuteronomy 24:19 Job 24:10 Jeremiah 9:22 Amos 2:13 Micah 4:12 Zechariah 12:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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