The term "summered" refers to the season of summer, a time of warmth and growth, which holds significant agricultural and symbolic meaning in the Bible. In the ancient Near Eastern context, summer was a critical period for the harvest and the culmination of the agricultural cycle. The Bible often uses the imagery of summer to convey themes of abundance, judgment, and the passage of time.

Agricultural Significance

In biblical times, summer was the season when the land yielded its produce, and the harvest was gathered. This is reflected in various passages that highlight the importance of summer in the agricultural calendar. For instance, Proverbs 10:5 states, "He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." This proverb underscores the diligence required during the summer months to ensure a successful harvest.

Symbolism and Imagery

Summer is also used symbolically in the Bible to represent a time of fruition and the fulfillment of God's promises. The prophet Amos uses the imagery of summer fruit to convey a message of impending judgment: "This is what the Lord GOD showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. 'What do you see, Amos?' He asked. 'A basket of summer fruit,' I replied. Then the LORD said to me, 'The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them'" (Amos 8:1-2). Here, the ripeness of the fruit symbolizes the nation of Israel reaching the fullness of its iniquity, leading to divine judgment.

Seasonal Change and Divine Timing

The transition from summer to other seasons is also used to illustrate the inevitability of change and the divine timing of events. Jeremiah 8:20 laments, "The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, but we have not been saved." This verse reflects a sense of missed opportunity and the urgency of repentance before the time of judgment arrives.

Eschatological Themes

In eschatological contexts, summer can symbolize the nearness of the end times and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus uses the analogy of the fig tree in Matthew 24:32-33 : "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door." Here, the approach of summer signifies the imminent return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

Conclusion

The concept of "summered" in the Bible encompasses both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the season. It serves as a reminder of the cycles of nature, the importance of readiness and diligence, and the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over time and history.(imp. & p. p.) of Summer.

The Servant and the Slaves
... of whom had lived beside Jesus Christ for all those years, and had seen everything
that He did, and studied Him through and through, had summered and wintered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the servant and the slaves.htm

The Answer to Trust
... You might know about him, or fancy you did, but if you knew him, it would be because
you had summered and wintered with him, and lived beside him, and were on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the answer to trust.htm

With and Like Christ
... The men that have summered and wintered with Jesus Christ may not know a great many
things that are supposed to be very important parts of religion, but they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/with and like christ.htm

Summered (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Summer. Multi-Version Concordance
Summered (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 18:6 They are left together ...
/s/summered.htm - 6k

Wintereth (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 18:6 They are left together to the ravenous fowl of the mountains, And to
the beast of the earth, And summered on them hath the ravenous fowl, And every ...
/w/wintereth.htm - 6k

Summer-fruit (3 Occurrences)
Summer-fruit. Summered, Summer-fruit. Summerhouse . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY YLT). Summered, Summer-fruit. Summerhouse . Reference Bible.
/s/summer-fruit.htm - 7k

Summer-chamber (1 Occurrence)
Summer-chamber. Summer, Summer-chamber. Summered . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Summer, Summer-chamber. Summered . Reference Bible.
/s/summer-chamber.htm - 6k

Heron (2 Occurrences)
... Herons of Southern Africa that summered in the Holy Land loved to nest on the banks
of Merom, and raise their young among the bulrushes, papyrus, reeds and ...
/h/heron.htm - 9k

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