Topical Bible: The Harvest: Called The: Appointed Weeks of Harvest

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the harvest holds significant theological and practical importance within the biblical narrative. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the harvest was not only a time of gathering crops but also a period rich with spiritual symbolism and divine instruction. The "Appointed Weeks of Harvest" refers to the specific times set by God for the gathering of crops, which were integral to the rhythm of Israelite life and worship.

Biblical Foundation

The term "Appointed Weeks of Harvest" is rooted in the agricultural calendar given to the Israelites. In Jeremiah 5:24 , the prophet speaks of God’s provision: "They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.’" This passage highlights the divine orchestration of the seasons and the dependence of the people on God's faithfulness to provide.

Agricultural Significance

The harvest period in Israel typically included the barley harvest in the spring, followed by the wheat harvest in early summer, and the fruit harvest in the late summer and early autumn. These times were marked by various festivals and offerings, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, celebrated seven weeks after the beginning of the barley harvest, was one such festival, marking the end of the grain harvest and the beginning of the fruit harvest (Leviticus 23:15-21).

Spiritual Symbolism

The harvest is frequently used in Scripture as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In the New Testament, Jesus employs the imagery of the harvest to describe the gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 9:37-38 , Jesus tells His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." This passage underscores the urgency and importance of evangelism and discipleship.

Divine Provision and Judgment

The harvest also serves as a symbol of divine provision and judgment. In the Old Testament, the successful gathering of crops was seen as a blessing from God, contingent upon the obedience of the people to His commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Conversely, a failed harvest was often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure and a call to repentance (Joel 1:10-12).

Eschatological Implications

In eschatological terms, the harvest is used to describe the end of the age when God will gather His people and execute judgment. Revelation 14:15 states, "Then another angel came out of the temple, calling in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, 'Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.'" This imagery conveys the finality and inevitability of God's judgment and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The "Appointed Weeks of Harvest" encapsulate a profound biblical theme that intertwines the physical and spiritual dimensions of life. Through the harvest, God reveals His provision, calls His people to faithfulness, and foreshadows the ultimate gathering of His people at the end of the age.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:24
Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that gives rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... a most singular honor of the saints' rest, to be called the purchased ... the latter
in its season, and reserveth the appointed weeks of harvest, and covenants ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... to the Jews might hardly have been called by Jeremiah ... for it, had seen the
catch-word harvest in the ... The early and latter; "And the weeks appointed for harvest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... Jesus likens the people to a ripened harvest, and he ... who shall garner them.] 1 And
he called { ^b calleth ... all governors and kings were then appointed by Rome ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

Everybody's Sermon
... for his daughter, she was to be called Lo-ruhamah ... then, to the rustling eloquence
of the yellow harvest. ... stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/everybodys sermon.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest."
The practices ... The privileges enjoyed by that people he was called, in these ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Providence
... latter rain in their season, and reserves to men still the appointed weeks of harvest,
yet men ... in God's kingdom, that He is your King, and has called you to ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... from what otherwise might have been called the accident ... Branch' (symbolised by His
Divinely-appointed early residence ... But its golden harvest and its rich fruits ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

The Foundation of the Church.
... and a vehement persecutor, till he was called by the ... the first-fruits of a mighty
harvest; and the ... take the government, and a Roman procurator was appointed. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxi the foundation of.htm

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... people; as, First, the double sacrifices appointed for them ... and in the law are called
Sabbaths (Leviticus ... To distinguish between spring and harvest, summer and ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm

Go Teach all Nations
... At the time appointed, about five hundred believers were collected ... the seed would
spring up and yield an abundant harvest. ... They were to be called to repentance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 86 go teach all.htm