Topical Bible: Reaping: Both Men and Women Engaged In

◄ Reaping: Both Men and Women Engaged In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reaping, the act of harvesting crops, is a significant activity in biblical times, reflecting both the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel and the spiritual metaphors found throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous accounts of both men and women participating in the reaping process, highlighting its importance in daily life and its symbolic meaning in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, reaping is often depicted as a communal activity involving both men and women. The Book of Ruth provides a vivid illustration of this practice. Ruth, a Moabite widow, participates in the reaping process by gleaning in the fields of Boaz. Ruth 2:3 states, "So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters." This passage indicates that women were actively involved in the reaping process, working alongside male harvesters.

The Law of Moses also made provisions for the poor and the foreigner to glean after the reapers, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10 : "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the communal and inclusive nature of reaping, where both men and women could participate in gathering the harvest.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, reaping continues to serve as a metaphor for spiritual truths. Jesus uses the imagery of reaping to describe the gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. In John 4:35-38 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Do you not say, 'There are still four months until the harvest'? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together."

This passage emphasizes the collaborative effort in the spiritual harvest, where both men and women are called to participate in the work of evangelism and discipleship. The Apostle Paul also uses the metaphor of reaping to encourage believers in their spiritual endeavors. In Galatians 6:9 , he writes, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Reaping in biblical times was not only a physical task but also carried deep spiritual significance. It symbolized God's provision and faithfulness, as well as the responsibility of His people to care for one another. The involvement of both men and women in reaping reflects the inclusive nature of God's community, where all are called to contribute to the well-being of the community and the advancement of God's Kingdom.

The biblical portrayal of reaping, with its emphasis on communal participation and spiritual metaphor, serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of men and women in both physical and spiritual labor. Through the act of reaping, the Bible illustrates the principles of provision, stewardship, and the ultimate harvest of souls for God's glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 2:8,9
Then said Boaz to Ruth, Hear you not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Harvest Joy
... last two days I have spoken to two friends, both of whom ... if ye faint not." There
is a set season for reaping. ... Men or women, if you love Christ, and have never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/harvest joy.htm

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... I attended the class of his young men, which afforded ... Both the German and French
languages are spoken ... attentive hearers were, we trust, reaping deep instruction ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm

Daily Bread
... Our planting and reaping, building and buying, all the half-mechanical ... To mix with
men and women in the ordinary forms of social ... "Pure mongrels," both of them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... Men and women, old and young, insurgents and priests, those ... Both the city and the
temple were razed to ... in their dispersion, they were but reaping the harvest ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... Men and women, old and young, insurgents and priests, those ... Both the city and the
temple were razed to ... in their dispersion, they were but reaping the harvest ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Introductory.
... might be unfruitful, in the sense of reaping no great ... which convulsed Europe at its
close, had both of them ... this great body of religiously minded men and women ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter i introductory.htm

The Sluggard's Reproof
... they shall carry harvest home with us; and men and angels ... you neglected, and now
your time of reaping must be a ... preached again, I would hear it with both my ears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm

Preparation for Revival
... gazed at and to be wondered at by persons both at home ... Hast thou had but little reaping
for much sowing? ... I as showy, as volatile, as frivolous as men and women ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/preparation for revival.htm

John iv. 28, 29
... they have become white, and are ready for reaping, so these ... able to escape the sight
even of men in that ... It behooves therefore to depart both in action and in ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv john iv 28.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 6
... Whereas the disciples, as not reaping themselves the fruits ... men, so corrupt in their
ideas, men whose conduct ... should He accept our doings, will both here make ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 1 cor iv.htm