Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, forests were not only seen as places of natural beauty and mystery but also as valuable resources for pastoral activities. The Bible provides several references to forests as areas that afforded pasture, supporting the livelihood of those who tended flocks and herds.The Hebrew word for forest, "ya'ar," is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe wooded areas that were integral to the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel. These forests provided essential resources such as wood for building and fuel, but they also served as grazing grounds for livestock. The lush vegetation found in these areas made them suitable for pasturing animals, particularly during times when other grazing lands were scarce. One notable reference to forests providing pasture is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 7:23 states, "And on that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found. Men will go there with bows and arrows because the land will become briers and thorns." This passage, while primarily a prophecy of desolation, implies that the land, once cultivated and fruitful, would revert to a more natural state, potentially becoming a forested area where animals could graze. The pastoral use of forests is also implied in the account of David, who, as a shepherd, would have been familiar with the various landscapes of Israel, including its forests. In 1 Samuel 17:34-36 , David recounts to Saul how he protected his father's sheep from lions and bears, suggesting that his shepherding duties took him into wild and wooded areas where such predators might be found. Moreover, the Song of Solomon, a poetic book rich in imagery, alludes to the beauty and fertility of forested areas. In Song of Solomon 2:3 , the beloved is compared to an apple tree among the trees of the forest, indicating the abundance and desirability of such places. Forests in biblical times were not only places of refuge and solitude but also vital components of the agricultural and pastoral economy. They provided a natural habitat for wildlife and a source of sustenance for domesticated animals. The dual role of forests as both wild and pastoral spaces reflects the complex relationship between humans and the natural world as depicted in the Scriptures. In summary, the biblical portrayal of forests as places that often afforded pasture underscores their importance in the daily life and survival of ancient communities. These wooded areas were more than just backdrops for biblical narratives; they were active participants in the sustenance and prosperity of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 7:14Feed your people with your rod, the flock of your heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the middle of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Reaction against Egypt The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal A Canticle of Love Resources How can I recognize and understand biblical symbolism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to a remnant? | GotQuestions.org Forests: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forests of the Unfruitful World Forests: (A Fruitful Field Turned Into) of the Jews Rejected by God Forests: (Destroyed by Fire) of Destruction of the Wicked Forests: Abounded With Wild Honey Forests: Called on to Rejoice at God's Mercy Forests: Infested by Wild Beasts Forests: Jotham Built Towers, In Forests: Often Afforded Pasture Forests: Often Destroyed by Enemies Forests: Supplied Timber for Building Forests: The Power of God Extends Over Forests: Tracts of Land Covered With Trees Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) |
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