Ploughing, an essential agricultural activity in biblical times, was often performed by the owner of the land himself. This practice underscores the intimate connection between the landowner and his land, reflecting a deep sense of stewardship and responsibility. The act of ploughing was not merely a task to be delegated but was sometimes undertaken personally, highlighting the diligence and commitment required to cultivate the land effectively.

In the Scriptures, ploughing is frequently mentioned as a metaphor for preparation and hard work. The owner of the land, by taking up the plough himself, demonstrates a personal investment in the productivity and fruitfulness of his fields. This personal involvement is seen in various biblical narratives and teachings.

One notable example is found in the life of Elisha. Before being called to the prophetic ministry by Elijah, Elisha was ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair (1 Kings 19:19). This account illustrates that Elisha, though from a presumably well-off family with multiple oxen, was directly engaged in the labor of ploughing. His willingness to work the land himself signifies a readiness for the greater calling that God had for him.

The book of Proverbs also alludes to the diligence required in ploughing, associating it with wisdom and foresight. Proverbs 20:4 states, "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks but finds nothing." This proverb highlights the importance of timely and diligent ploughing, a task often undertaken by the landowner to ensure a bountiful harvest.

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of ploughing to convey the cost of discipleship. In Luke 9:62 , Jesus declares, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Here, the act of ploughing symbolizes commitment and perseverance, qualities that are essential for those who follow Christ. The landowner, by ploughing his own fields, embodies these virtues, setting an example of steadfastness and dedication.

The personal involvement of the landowner in ploughing also reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where land was a vital resource and a gift from God. The owner’s direct participation in ploughing signifies a recognition of this divine provision and a commitment to honoring it through diligent labor.

In summary, ploughing performed by the owner of the land himself is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating principles of stewardship, diligence, and commitment. Through this practice, the landowner not only prepares the soil for physical harvest but also embodies spiritual truths that resonate throughout Scripture.1 Kings 19:19
So he departed there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Imperial Tombs.
... free distributions of corn, oil, or wine; sometimes of an ... bygone times, when
passion-plays were performed in Rome ... In 1810 a peasant ploughing his field in the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... and drank with her; the pictured ploughing, harvesting, and ... the statue was kept,
and performed in its ... Sometimes the animated statues raised their voices in the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... the man after God's own heart, who had performed all His ... a rational animal, in a
sense the owner and tenant ... And as the ox was created for ploughing, the horse ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Ploughing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus