Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Corn

◄ Commerce: Articles of Corn ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, commerce involving articles of corn was a significant aspect of the ancient economy, reflecting both the agricultural foundation of society and the intricate trade networks that existed. Corn, in the biblical context, typically refers to grain, such as wheat or barley, which were staple foods in the ancient Near East.

Agricultural Significance

The cultivation and trade of corn were central to the livelihood of many biblical communities. The Promised Land was often described as a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating its agricultural abundance, including grain. The cycle of sowing and reaping was integral to the Israelites' way of life, as seen in the various feasts and offerings that revolved around the harvest, such as the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), which celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22).

Trade and Economy

Grain was not only a staple food but also a key commodity in trade. The Bible records instances where grain was used in barter and trade, both within Israel and with neighboring nations. For example, during the time of Joseph, Egypt became a central hub for grain trade due to the foresight of storing surplus during years of plenty (Genesis 41:47-49). This strategic reserve allowed Egypt to sell grain to surrounding nations during the famine, including Joseph's own family (Genesis 42:1-3).

Regulations and Justice

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the fair trade of grain, emphasizing justice and honesty. Deuteronomy 25:13-15 commands, "You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." This underscores the importance of integrity in commerce, ensuring that transactions were conducted fairly.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets often used the imagery of grain and its commerce to convey spiritual truths and warnings. Amos, for instance, condemned those who exploited the poor and manipulated the grain market for personal gain, saying, "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may open the grain market, to reduce the ephah and increase the shekel, and to cheat with dishonest scales?'" (Amos 8:4-5). Such practices were seen as violations of God's covenant and justice.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Grain also held symbolic significance in biblical teaching. Jesus used the imagery of grain in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Sower, the seed represents the word of God, and the various types of soil depict the different responses of human hearts (Matthew 13:3-9). Additionally, Jesus referred to Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), drawing a parallel between physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

In summary, the commerce of articles of corn in biblical times was a multifaceted aspect of ancient life, encompassing economic, legal, and spiritual dimensions. The biblical narrative reflects the importance of grain as a vital resource, a medium of trade, and a symbol of deeper spiritual truths.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 5:11
And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
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Library

Commerce
... as to the laws regulating trade and commerce, they were so ... not be mixed, even though
the articles added were ... Purchases of corn could not be concluded till the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation
of these fearful evils, I ... They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. "
... Corn, and meat, and sugar, and tea, to feed the ... body,"what are these but the very
articles which create the main portion of the commerce, and carrying ...
/.../chapter ii colossians 4 14 luke.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... district, and produced the latest articles of commerce or of ... and a half, of five,
and in articles of luxury ... by way of taxation, with sufficient corn to last ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things?
... OF TITHES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether men are bound to pay ... by one's own act, for instance
by commerce or soldiering ... of paying tithes refers only to "corn, fruits of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are bound to 3.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? ... held up as shining lights of commerce,
who have the faculty of turning everything into saleable articles? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The constitution of the family and its property"Chaldaean commerce and industry ... taxes
were consequently paid in kind: the principal media being corn and other ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Reconnoitering of Greece.
... Persian armor of beautiful workmanship, and articles of dress ... the Scriptures as a
great pagan emporium of commerce. ... ships by sea, loaded with the corn, and wine ...
/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter vi the reconnoitering of.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... whole chapter is undoubtedly a prophecy), commerce shall subserve ... for domestic purposes:
and a few articles of stock ... utensils of husbandry, and some corn to sow ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The First Theban Empire
... time to time Pharaoh sent convoys of cattle and provisions"corn, sixteen oxen ... in
fact, which Central Africa has furnished as articles of commerce from time ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm