Ploughing, an essential agricultural practice, is the process of turning over the upper layer of soil to prepare it for sowing seeds. This practice is deeply rooted in the history of human civilization and is frequently referenced in the Bible as a metaphor for spiritual and moral preparation. The act of ploughing symbolizes breaking up the fallow ground of the heart to make it receptive to God's word, as seen in Hosea 10:12 : "Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain."

The tradition that Noah was the inventor of the plough is not explicitly stated in the canonical texts of the Bible but is derived from extra-biblical sources and Jewish tradition. According to these traditions, Noah, a righteous man chosen by God to survive the Great Flood, is credited with many post-diluvian advancements, including the invention of the plough. This attribution aligns with the narrative of Noah as a cultivator of the soil, as seen in Genesis 9:20 : "Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard."

The association of Noah with agricultural innovation is consistent with the broader biblical theme of human stewardship over the earth. After the flood, God reestablished His covenant with Noah and his descendants, granting them dominion over the earth and its resources (Genesis 9:1-3). This divine mandate implies a responsibility to cultivate and care for the land, a task for which the plough would be indispensable.

In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, the invention of the plough would have been a significant advancement, facilitating more efficient farming and contributing to the development of settled communities. The plough allowed for the cultivation of larger areas of land, supporting population growth and the establishment of complex societies.

Theologically, the notion of Noah as the inventor of the plough underscores the theme of renewal and restoration following judgment. Just as Noah's obedience led to the preservation of life through the ark, his supposed invention of the plough symbolizes the renewal of the earth and the continuation of God's provision for humanity. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of Noah as a figure of faith and obedience, whose actions ensured the survival and flourishing of human life post-flood.

While the Bible does not explicitly credit Noah with the invention of the plough, the association is consistent with his role as a cultivator and steward of the earth. This tradition highlights the importance of agricultural practices in biblical times and their symbolic significance in the spiritual life of believers.Genesis 5:29
And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... apply to ordinary sins after baptism, as supposed by Montanus ... as the ox was created
for ploughing, the horse ... the unclean animals were taken into Noah's ark by ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

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