Topical Encyclopedia Herbage in the Bible refers to the various types of grasses, plants, and vegetation that are mentioned throughout the Scriptures. These plants often serve as symbols, provide sustenance, and illustrate spiritual truths. The term encompasses a wide range of plant life, including grass, herbs, and other forms of vegetation that are essential to both human and animal life.Creation and Provision In the account of creation, God establishes the role of herbage as a fundamental part of the earth's ecosystem. Genesis 1:11-12 states, "Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.' And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Here, herbage is depicted as a divine provision for sustaining life, highlighting God's care and provision for His creation. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Herbage is often used symbolically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths. In Isaiah 40:6-8 , the transient nature of human life is compared to grass: "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" This passage emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God's word. In the New Testament, Jesus uses herbage to teach about God's provision and care. In Matthew 6:28-30 , He says, "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Here, herbage serves as a reminder of God's attentive care for His creation and His promise to provide for His people. Agricultural Context Herbage also plays a significant role in the agricultural context of the Bible. It is essential for the sustenance of livestock, which in turn supports human life. In Psalm 104:14 , the psalmist praises God for His provision: "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth." This verse highlights the interconnectedness of God's creation and His provision for both animals and humans. Judgment and Restoration In prophetic literature, herbage is sometimes used to depict judgment and restoration. In Joel 1:10-12 , the devastation of the land is described: "The fields are ruined; the ground is mournful, for the grain is destroyed; the new wine is dried up; the oil fails. Be dismayed, O farmers; wail, O vinedressers, for the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. The vine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple—all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up." This imagery of withered herbage symbolizes the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. Conversely, restoration is depicted through the flourishing of herbage. In Isaiah 35:1-2 , the promise of restoration is portrayed: "The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom abundantly and even rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God." Here, the blossoming of herbage signifies the renewal and hope that come from God's redemptive work. In summary, herbage in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, the transient nature of life, and the promise of restoration. It is woven throughout Scripture as a testament to God's care for His creation and His sovereign plan for humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Herbs collectively; green food beasts; grass; pasture.2. (n.) The liberty or right of pasture in the forest or in the grounds of another man. Greek 1008. botane -- grass, fodder ... fodder. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: botane Phonetic Spelling: (bot-an'-ay) Short Definition: fodder, food Definition: fodder, food, herbage. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1008.htm - 6k 5528. chortos -- a feeding place, food, grass Strong's Hebrew 2682. chatsir -- green grass, herbage... 2681, 2682. chatsir. 2683 . green grass, herbage. Transliteration: chatsir Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-tseer') Short Definition: grass. ... /hebrew/2682.htm - 6k 3419. yaraq -- herbs, herbage 6212b. asab -- herbage, grass 6212a. eseb -- herb, herbage 6212. eseb -- herb, herbage 3001. yabesh -- to be dry, dried up, or withered Library Of Removing Tithes. Abstain from the Poison of Heretics. Hallowed be Thy Name On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ... In the Desert Expatriation Rhapsody 'That which was Lost' How Miracles of Healing have Been Frequently Wrought in the Place ... The Meaning of the Name Stromata or Miscellanies. Thesaurus Grass (92 Occurrences)... As the herbage rapidly fades under the scorching sun, it is used as an image of the brevity of human life (Isaiah 40:6, 7; Psalm 90:5). In Numbers 11:5 this ... /g/grass.htm - 43k Flowers (42 Occurrences) Dries (10 Occurrences) Drop (32 Occurrences) Mankind (80 Occurrences) Graze (11 Occurrences) Resemble (15 Occurrences) Beauty (98 Occurrences) Herbage (10 Occurrences) Herb (46 Occurrences) Resources Herbage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Herbage (10 Occurrences)Matthew 6:30 Luke 12:28 James 1:10 James 1:11 1 Peter 1:24 Revelation 9:4 Proverbs 27:25 Isaiah 15:6 Isaiah 42:15 Jeremiah 14:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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