In biblical times, the practice of manuring, or fertilizing the soil, was an essential aspect of agriculture, ensuring the productivity and fertility of the land. Although the Bible does not frequently mention the specific act of manuring, the principles of caring for the land and ensuring its fruitfulness are evident throughout Scripture.

Agricultural Context

The ancient Israelites were primarily an agrarian society, and the health of their crops was crucial for survival. Fertilizing the soil would have been a common practice to maintain its fertility, especially in a land where the climate and soil conditions could be challenging. The use of manure, compost, and other organic materials would have been understood as a means to enrich the soil and promote the growth of crops.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the word "manure," it does refer to practices that imply the use of fertilizers. In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus illustrates the importance of giving a tree another chance to bear fruit by fertilizing it. In Luke 13:8 , the vineyard keeper says, "Sir, leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it." This passage highlights the practice of enriching the soil to encourage growth and productivity.

Symbolic Meaning

The concept of manuring or fertilizing can also be seen symbolically in Scripture. Just as manure enriches the soil, spiritual nourishment and care are necessary for the growth and fruitfulness of a believer's life. The process of spiritual growth often involves the removal of impurities and the addition of what is beneficial, akin to the agricultural practice of fertilizing.

Stewardship of the Land

The Bible emphasizes the importance of stewardship and care for the land. In Leviticus 25:3-4 , God commands the Israelites to observe a sabbath rest for the land: "For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD." This command reflects the understanding that the land needs time to rejuvenate, much like the practice of fertilizing to restore nutrients.

Conclusion

The practice of manuring, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship, care, and the promotion of fruitfulness. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of creation and the responsibility to nurture and sustain the resources God has provided.(imp. & p. p.) of Manure.

Of Sin by Imputation and Propagation.
... ripeness. But that such a fruit should grow out of such a holy and good
soil, so well dressed and manured by the Lord was a wonder! ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiv of sin by.htm

Of Flattery.
... for the continuance, but the improving of his crimes and errors, which alas, are
too prolific of themselves, but being cultivated and manured with perpetual ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... You forget the obvious fact that plants, when manured with dung, become richer and
more fertile and crops heavier, though you think it your gravest charge ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... Is the filth cleaner than the flesh which expels it? Are you not aware
how fields are manured in order to make them productive? ...
/.../faustus repels the charge of.htm

Faustus Avows his Disbelief in the Old Testament and his Disregard ...
... that comes from flesh is unclean, because the origin of flesh itself is unclean,
fruits and vegetables must also be unclean, because they are manured with dung ...
/.../faustus avows his disbelief in.htm

His Name --Wonderful!
... The battle fields are clothed no more with the rich harvests that have been manured
with blood; but a new harvest has sprung up. The fields are thick with men. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namewonderful.htm

Essay
... of the Divine blessing, bestowing such fruitfulness, that by one pair the vast
circumference of this earth should be gradually peopled, manured, and improved. ...
/.../an essay on the mosaic account of the creation and fall of man/essay.htm

Manured (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Manured (1 Occurrence). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded,
"'Leave it, Sir, this year also, till I have dug round it and manured it. ...
/m/manured.htm - 6k

Manure (4 Occurrences)
... Manure (4 Occurrences). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it and manured it. (Root in WEY RSV). ...
/m/manure.htm - 7k

Gardener (4 Occurrences)
... WEY BBE). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this year
also, till I have dug round it and manured it. (WEY). John ...
/g/gardener.htm - 8k

Dug (45 Occurrences)
... through. (DBY). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it and manured it. (WEY). ...
/d/dug.htm - 20k

Pleaded (21 Occurrences)
... me. (See NAS). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it and manured it. (WEY). ...
/p/pleaded.htm - 12k

Sir (90 Occurrences)
... Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this year also, till I
have dug round it and manured it. (WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sir.htm - 32k

Manuscripts

/m/manuscripts.htm - 39k

Manured: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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