Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Agricultural Context: The term "fallow" refers to land that is plowed and tilled but left unseeded during a growing season. This practice is used to restore the land's fertility and control weeds, allowing the soil to recover and maintain its productivity. In ancient agricultural societies, including those in biblical times, fallowing was a common practice to ensure sustainable farming. Biblical References and Significance: The concept of fallow ground is mentioned in several passages in the Bible, often symbolizing spiritual truths and moral lessons. In the agricultural context of ancient Israel, fallowing was an essential part of the sabbatical year, a practice commanded by God to allow the land to rest. 1. Leviticus 25:3-4 : "For six years you may sow your fields and prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard." This commandment highlights the importance of fallow periods as a form of obedience to God and a demonstration of trust in His provision. 2. Jeremiah 4:3 : "For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: 'Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among thorns.'" Here, the prophet Jeremiah uses the metaphor of fallow ground to call the people to repentance and spiritual renewal. The unplowed ground represents a heart that is hardened and resistant to God's word, needing to be broken up and prepared for spiritual growth. 3. 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." This verse uses the imagery of fallow ground to encourage the Israelites to pursue righteousness and seek the Lord, promising that such spiritual preparation will lead to divine blessings. Theological Implications: The biblical use of fallow ground as a metaphor extends beyond agriculture, emphasizing themes of spiritual readiness, repentance, and renewal. Just as fallow land must be prepared to receive seed, so must the human heart be prepared to receive God's word. The practice of leaving land fallow during the sabbatical year also underscores the principle of rest and reliance on God's provision, teaching believers to trust in His faithfulness and timing. Practical Application: In a spiritual sense, believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for areas that may be "fallow" or unproductive. This involves breaking up the hardness of the heart, removing obstacles to spiritual growth, and being open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The concept of fallow ground serves as a reminder of the need for periodic reflection and renewal in one's walk with God, ensuring that one's life remains fruitful and aligned with His purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Left unplanted after plowing; uncultivated; resting; as, fallow farmland.2. (a.) Pale red or pale yellow; as, a fallow deer or greyhound. 3. (n.) Plowed land. 4. (n.) Land that has lain a year or more untilled or unseeded; land plowed without being sowed for the season. 5. (n.) The plowing or tilling of land, without sowing it for a season; as, summer fallow, properly conducted, has ever been found a sure method of destroying weeds. 6. (n.) To plow, harrow, and break up, as land, without seeding, for the purpose of destroying weeds and insects, and rendering it mellow; as, it is profitable to fallow cold, strong, clayey land. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FALLOWfal'-o (damam): Damam is translated only once in the sense of "fallow" (Exodus 23:11). The law required that the Israelites allow their ground to lie fallow one year in, seven. the King James Version is (Deuteronomy 14:5) nir, and is translated "fallow" in its more obsolete sense of "tilled ground" in the King James Version (Jeremiah 4:3 Hosea 10:12). Strong's Hebrew 5215b. nir -- tillable, untilled, or fallow groundnir or nir. 5215a, 5215b. nir or nir. 5216 . tillable, untilled, or fallow ground. Transliteration: nir or nir Short Definition: ground. ... /hebrew/5215b.htm - 5k 3180. yachmur -- a roebuck 5215. niyr -- a lamp 5203. natash -- to leave, forsake, permit Library How to Promote a Revival. Charity. True Righteousness is Obtained by Christ. "Giving all Diligence. " An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience... His Earliest Oracles. (ii. 2-iv. 4. ) The Answer Concerning the Threefold Condition of Souls. Of Removing Tithes. The Fourth Commandment Introduction Thesaurus Fallow (5 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Left unplanted after plowing; uncultivated; resting; as, fallow farmland. 2. (a.) Pale red or pale yellow; as, a fallow deer or greyhound. ... /f/fallow.htm - 9k Fallow-deer (2 Occurrences) Fallow-ground Deer (15 Occurrences) Fallowground Zoology Fallowdeer (1 Occurrence) Laws (184 Occurrences) Agrarian Resources How should a Christian view environmentalism? | GotQuestions.orgWas 2017 a Jubilee Year? Was Christ supposed to return in 2017? | GotQuestions.org Fallow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fallow (5 Occurrences)Exodus 23:11 Deuteronomy 14:5 Proverbs 13:23 Jeremiah 4:3 Hosea 10:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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