Topical Bible: Reaping: Persons Engaged in Under the Guidance of a Steward

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Reaping, the act of gathering a harvest, is a significant activity in biblical times, often used metaphorically to illustrate spiritual truths. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, reaping was a communal effort, typically overseen by a steward or master who ensured the process was conducted efficiently and justly. This entry explores the biblical context of reaping under the guidance of a steward, highlighting relevant scriptures and principles.

Biblical Context and Practices

In the Bible, reaping is frequently mentioned in the context of agricultural practices. The steward, often a trusted servant or manager, played a crucial role in overseeing the laborers during the harvest. This position required wisdom, integrity, and diligence to ensure that the harvest was gathered properly and that the workers were treated fairly.

One of the most illustrative examples of reaping under the guidance of a steward is found in the Book of Ruth. Boaz, a wealthy landowner, acts as a steward over his fields and laborers. He instructs his workers to allow Ruth, a Moabite widow, to glean among the sheaves and even provides her with protection and additional provisions. Boaz's stewardship reflects the biblical principles of kindness, justice, and provision for the needy. Ruth 2:8-9 states, "Then Boaz said to Ruth, 'Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.'"

Spiritual Implications

Reaping is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual truths, particularly in the context of sowing and reaping as a divine principle. Galatians 6:7-8 emphasizes this principle: "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor 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. For in this case the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the hard work, and you have now taken up their labor."

Role of the Steward

The steward's role in reaping extends beyond mere supervision; it involves ensuring that the harvest is conducted in accordance with God's laws and principles. This includes providing for the poor and the foreigner, as seen in the laws of gleaning (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 foreigner. I am the LORD your God."

The steward's responsibility is to manage resources wisely, reflecting God's justice and mercy. This stewardship is a reminder of the ultimate accountability to God, the true owner of all creation. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of faithful stewardship, where the master entrusts his servants with resources and expects them to be productive and responsible.

Conclusion

Reaping under the guidance of a steward in biblical times was a practice rich with spiritual and ethical implications. It served as a model for stewardship, emphasizing the importance of justice, provision, and accountability in both physical and spiritual harvests.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 2:5,6
Then said Boaz to his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... the Lord in a saving way without its guidance and direction ... of thee upon the nations
that are under the whole ... Christ, "that he was an hard man, reaping where he ...
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