Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of a "planter" is often associated with agricultural practices, which were central to the daily life and economy of ancient Israel. The role of a planter is not only practical but also carries significant spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures.Agricultural Context The act of planting is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the agrarian society of the Israelites. In Genesis 2:8, God Himself is described as a planter: "Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man He had formed." This divine act of planting the Garden of Eden sets a precedent for the importance of cultivation and stewardship of the land. The Israelites were commanded to observe agricultural laws, such as the Sabbatical year, which required them to let the land rest every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4). This practice underscored the belief that the land ultimately belonged to God and that humans were merely stewards or planters of His creation. Spiritual Symbolism The metaphor of planting is used extensively in the Bible to convey spiritual truths. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of planting to describe the work of spreading the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul writes, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." Here, the planter is seen as a servant of God, participating in the divine work of spiritual growth and transformation. The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13:3-9, further illustrates the spiritual significance of planting. Jesus describes a sower who scatters seed on various types of soil, representing different responses to the Word of God. The planter, in this case, is a symbol of those who share the Gospel, while the soil represents the hearts of the hearers. Prophetic Imagery The prophets often used the imagery of planting to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Jeremiah 31:28, God promises, "Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the LORD." This promise of planting signifies a future restoration and blessing for the people of Israel. Similarly, in Isaiah 61:3, the faithful are described as "oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." This imagery emphasizes the strength and stability that come from being rooted in God's righteousness. Moral and Ethical Implications The role of a planter also carries moral and ethical implications. In Galatians 6:7, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." This principle of sowing and reaping serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions, both in the physical and spiritual realms. In summary, the concept of a planter in the Bible encompasses both the literal act of cultivating the land and the spiritual act of sowing the seeds of faith. It reflects the interconnectedness of creation, stewardship, and divine providence, highlighting the planter's role as a participant in God's ongoing work in the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, plants or sows; as, a planter of corn; a machine planter.2. (n.) One who owns or cultivates a plantation; as, a sugar planter; a coffee planter. 3. (n.) A colonist in a new or uncultivated territory; as, the first planters in Virginia. Library Six Years in North Bengal --Missionary and Indigo Planter The Problem of Foreign Missions A Provision Ground Preface First Then we Ought to Demonstrate that the Blessed Apostle Paul ... On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the ... The Next Stage Occurs in the Creation of Man by the Eternal Word ... The First Great Group of Parables. London Missionary Society. Thesaurus Planter (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, plants or sows; as, a planter of corn; a machine planter. 2. (n.) One ... /p/planter.htm - 8k Waterer (2 Occurrences) Zetham (2 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) Giver (21 Occurrences) Importance (9 Occurrences) Furnishing (3 Occurrences) Rewards (26 Occurrences) Planters (1 Occurrence) Plantedst (3 Occurrences) Resources What are revellings in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Fellowship Bible Church movement (Gene Getz)? | GotQuestions.org What is church planting? | GotQuestions.org Planter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Planter (6 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 3:7 1 Corinthians 3:8 Isaiah 55:10 Jeremiah 50:16 Ezekiel 36:36 Amos 9:13 Subtopics Related Terms |