Definition and Context
Tilling refers to the agricultural practice of preparing and cultivating the soil for the purpose of growing crops. This practice is foundational in the agrarian societies depicted in the Bible and is often associated with the stewardship of the land that God has entrusted to humanity. Tilling involves breaking up the soil, removing weeds, and preparing the ground to receive seeds, ensuring that crops can grow and produce a bountiful harvest.

Biblical References
The concept of tilling is introduced early in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 2:15, we read, "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." Here, the word "cultivate" is often understood to include tilling, indicating humanity's responsibility to work and care for the land.

After the Fall, the nature of tilling changes as part of the curse pronounced upon Adam. Genesis 3:17-19 states, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This passage highlights the increased difficulty and labor associated with tilling post-Fall, as the ground would now produce thorns and thistles, requiring more effort to cultivate.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons
Tilling the soil is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23), Jesus compares different types of soil to the condition of human hearts in receiving the Word of God. Just as tilling prepares the physical ground for seed, spiritual preparation is necessary for the Word to take root and bear fruit in a person's life.

Moreover, the act of tilling can symbolize diligence and faithfulness in one's spiritual walk. Proverbs 12:11 states, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This proverb underscores the importance of hard work and dedication, both in physical labor and in spiritual endeavors.

Cultural and Historical Insights
In ancient Israel, tilling was a vital part of daily life and survival. The Israelites were primarily an agrarian society, and their calendar revolved around agricultural seasons. The practice of tilling was essential for producing food and sustaining communities. Tools such as the plow were used to break up the soil, and the timing of tilling was crucial to ensure a successful harvest.

The Sabbath year, or the year of rest for the land, as commanded in Leviticus 25:4, also reflects the importance of tilling and the recognition of God's provision. During this year, the land was to lie fallow, and the people were reminded of their dependence on God rather than solely on their agricultural efforts.

Theological Implications
Tilling, as a form of stewardship, reflects the broader biblical theme of humanity's role as caretakers of God's creation. It emphasizes the partnership between divine providence and human responsibility. While God provides the growth and sustenance, humans are called to work diligently and responsibly with the resources given to them.

In summary, tilling in the Bible is not only a practical activity but also a rich symbol of spiritual truths, reflecting themes of stewardship, diligence, and the relationship between humanity and the Creator.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Till.4618. maanah -- a field for plowing
... furrow. From anah, in the sense of depression or tilling; a furrow -- + acre, furrow.
see HEBREW anah. 4617, 4618. maanah. 4619 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4618.htm - 6k

Work
... This is Solomon's lesson: and be sure it holds good, not only of tilling the ground,
but of all other labours, all other duties, to which God may call us. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xii work.htm

Providence
... Isaiah, too, tells us that the common work of the farm, tilling the ground, sowing,
and reaping, were taught to men by God; and says of the ploughman, that ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... Everything that concerns man, whether it be the tilling of the soil, the choice
of a wife, the conduct of a lawsuit, or the proper deportment in the presence ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

The Sluggard's Reproof
... When he reached the place he saw all the monks at work tilling the ground, ploughing
or trimming the vines round the monastery, so he very solemnly observed as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... earn their bread. Middle-aged men, who had spent their lives in tilling the
soil, had now to learn mechanical trades. But they cheerfully ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... earn their bread. Middle-aged men, who had spent their lives in tilling the
soil, had now to learn mechanical trades. But they cheerfully ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

Man is Placed in Paradise.
... and had no need that man should till it; but the earth produced all things
spontaneously by the command of God, that man might not be wearied by tilling it. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xix man is placed in.htm

The Sower
... process was within sight of the shore on which they were gathered; but in any case,
a process was visible, if they would but see, of which the tilling of the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 3-9 14-20 the sower.htm

The Soil and the Seed
... Now the tilling of the soil of life is what in all its different forms we call culture,
and the expansion of God's germinating influence is what we call ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lxxix the soil and the.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... That is the rain, this the fruit. Therefore there is rendered as it were
fruit to God the Husbandman, raining upon and tilling us. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

Tilling (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tilling (4 Occurrences). ... Psalms 141:7 As one tilling and
ripping up in the land, Have our bones been scattered at the command of Saul. ...
/t/tilling.htm - 7k

Pursuits (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 12:11 Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied 'with' bread,
And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, (See RSV). ...
/p/pursuits.htm - 7k

Agriculture
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Tilling the ground (Genesis 2:15; 4:2, 3, 12) and
rearing cattle were the chief employments in ancient times. ...
/a/agriculture.htm - 27k

Pursuing (50 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 12:11 Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied 'with' bread,
And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, (YLT). ...
/p/pursuing.htm - 21k

Vanities (14 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 12:11 Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied 'with' bread,
And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, (YLT). ...
/v/vanities.htm - 12k

Lacks (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 12:11 Whoso is tilling the ground is satisfied 'with' bread,
And whoso is pursuing vanities is lacking heart, (See NAS NIV). ...
/l/lacks.htm - 13k

Farm (9 Occurrences)
... a farm. 11. (vi) To engage in the business of tilling the soil; to labor
as a farmer. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FARM. farm ...
/f/farm.htm - 11k

Fallow (5 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) The plowing or tilling of land, without sowing it for a season; as, summer
fallow, properly conducted, has ever been found a sure method of destroying ...
/f/fallow.htm - 9k

Tilleth (2 Occurrences)

/t/tilleth.htm - 7k

Tillage (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The operation, practice, or art of tilling or preparing land for seed, and
keeping the ground in a proper state for the growth of crops. ...
/t/tillage.htm - 8k

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