In biblical times, grazing was an essential aspect of pastoral life, reflecting the agrarian society in which the people of the Bible lived. Grazing refers to the practice of allowing livestock, such as sheep, goats, and cattle, to feed on grass and other vegetation in open fields or pastures. This practice is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its importance in the daily lives of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Biblical Context

Grazing is first alluded to in the early chapters of Genesis, where Abel is described as a "keeper of sheep" (Genesis 4:2). This indicates that from the earliest times, animal husbandry and grazing were integral to human livelihood. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were also shepherds, and their wealth was often measured by the size of their flocks and herds (Genesis 13:2, 24:35).

The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, was described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), suggesting fertile pastures suitable for grazing. The abundance of pastureland was a sign of God's blessing and provision for His people.

Shepherds and Grazing

Shepherds played a crucial role in the grazing process, guiding and protecting the flocks. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of shepherds and sheep to convey spiritual truths. For instance, Psalm 23, attributed to David, begins with the well-known line, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1), illustrating God's care and guidance for His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), emphasizing His role in leading and caring for His followers. This metaphor draws on the familiar practice of grazing, where the shepherd ensures the sheep have access to green pastures and still waters.

Grazing Laws and Practices

The Mosaic Law contains specific regulations regarding grazing and the treatment of animals. For example, in Exodus 22:5 , it is stated, "If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray and graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard." This law underscores the importance of respecting property boundaries and ensuring fair compensation for any damage caused by grazing animals.

Additionally, the Sabbath laws extended to animals, as they were to rest on the seventh day, just as the people did (Exodus 20:10). This provision highlights the ethical treatment of animals and the recognition of their need for rest.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Grazing, as depicted in the Bible, often carries symbolic meanings. It represents sustenance, provision, and the nurturing care of God. The imagery of sheep grazing under the watchful eye of a shepherd serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. It conveys themes of trust, dependence, and divine guidance.

In prophetic literature, grazing is sometimes used to depict peace and restoration. For instance, in Isaiah 65:25 , it is written, "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpent will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, says the LORD." This vision of harmonious grazing among traditionally hostile animals symbolizes the coming of God's kingdom and the restoration of creation.

Conclusion

Grazing, as a practice and metaphor, is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the agrarian context of the ancient world and offering profound spiritual insights. Through the lens of grazing, the Bible communicates themes of provision, care, and the shepherd-like nature of God, who leads His people to spiritual nourishment and rest.1197b. baar -- to be brutish
... Word Origin denominative verb from beir Definition to be brutish NASB Word Usage
become stupid (2), brutal (1), grazed (1), grazes (1), senseless (1), stupid (3 ...
/hebrew/1197b.htm - 5k

Whether Tithes Should be Paid to the Clergy?
... Ad apostolicae, de Decimis, etc.]. The shepherd who grazes his flock at different
seasons in two parishes, should pay tithe proportionately to both churches. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether tithes should be paid.htm

Sin Charged Upon the Surety
... to His laws. The lamb that grazes in the meadow, and the fish that swims
in the stream, are each in their proper element. If you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xx sin charged upon.htm

The Thief Gained the Faith which Gained Him, and Brought Him up ...
... in Adam's stead. The fool, who goes astray, grazes the faith, as it were
an eye, [535] by all manner of questions. The probing of ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iv the thief gained.htm

The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... As to the swallow, its flight, which grazes the earth, fulfils the function
of feet. 3. There are also innumerable kinds of birds. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm

Ambrose.
... Why, even the dumb animal that grazes in the field knows its proper food, and does
not touch strange food; the wild beast, too, and the reptile, and the bird ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents ambrose.htm

The Christ of M. Renan.
... Here is a noble superiority of Jesus over Moli??re! Moli??re merely grazes the skin,
but Jesus kills! Such is the admiration accorded to the Saviour! ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the christ of m renan.htm

Grazes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grazes (2 Occurrences). Exodus 22:5 "If a man
causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal ...
/g/grazes.htm - 7k

Grazing (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Graze. 2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, grazes.
3. (n.) A pasture; growing grass. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/g/grazing.htm - 8k

Grazed (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/g/grazed.htm - 7k

Lets (31 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/l/lets.htm - 14k

Graze (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/g/graze.htm - 10k

Restitution (21 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/r/restitution.htm - 13k

Badger (9 Occurrences)
... caught. It grazes on seaweed, and is known by naturalists as Halicore tabernaculi.
Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (v.) To pester, bother. ...
/b/badger.htm - 14k

Stray (12 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/s/stray.htm - 10k

Vineyard (69 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/v/vineyard.htm - 29k

Causes (89 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal
loose, and it grazes in another man's field, he shall make restitution from ...
/c/causes.htm - 33k

What does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.org

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