In biblical times, agriculture was a central aspect of life and economy, and those who worked the land were commonly referred to as "husbandmen." The term "husbandman" is used throughout the Bible to describe individuals who cultivate the land and tend to crops and livestock. This vocation was not only essential for sustenance but also held significant spiritual and symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 9:20 : "Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard." Noah is one of the earliest figures in the Bible associated with agriculture. After the flood, he is described as a "man of the soil," indicating his role as a husbandman who plants and tends a vineyard.

2. Genesis 4:2 : "Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil." Here, Cain is identified as a "tiller of the soil," highlighting his role as a husbandman. This passage underscores the early division of labor between agriculture and pastoralism.

3. Isaiah 28:24-26 : "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? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border. For his God instructs and teaches him properly." This passage illustrates the wisdom and skill required in farming, acknowledging that God provides guidance to the husbandman in his work.

4. John 15:1 : "I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard." In this metaphor, Jesus refers to God the Father as the "keeper of the vineyard," or husbandman, emphasizing the divine care and cultivation of His people.

5. James 5:7 : "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and late rains." This verse uses the patience of the husbandman as an analogy for the Christian's anticipation of the Lord's return, highlighting the virtue of patience in both farming and faith.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:

The role of the husbandman in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. The process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting is frequently used to illustrate principles of growth, faith, and divine providence. The parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), draw heavily on agricultural imagery to convey spiritual lessons about the Kingdom of God.

Husbandmen are depicted as stewards of God's creation, entrusted with the care and cultivation of the land. This stewardship reflects a broader biblical theme of humanity's responsibility to manage and sustain the earth as part of God's divine order. The work of the husbandman is seen as a partnership with God, who provides the increase and blessing upon the labor of human hands.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of husbandmen encompasses both the practical aspects of farming and the deeper spiritual significance of their work. Through their labor, husbandmen participate in the ongoing provision and sustenance of life, reflecting the Creator's care and faithfulness.2 Chronicles 26:10
Also he built towers in the desert, and dig many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: farmers also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chaldaean Civilization
... Farming and cultivation of the ground: landmarks, slaves, and ... alone required almost
as many persons as there ... and the pay of the workmen engaged in executing ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

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