Topical Encyclopedia Seed-time, a term often encountered in biblical literature, refers to the period designated for sowing seeds, a critical phase in the agricultural cycle. This concept is deeply rooted in the agrarian society of ancient Israel and holds significant theological and symbolic meaning throughout the Scriptures.Biblical References and Context The concept of seed-time is first introduced in the context of God's covenant with Noah after the flood. In Genesis 8:22 , God promises, "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease." This verse underscores the perpetual nature of the agricultural cycle as part of God's divine order, ensuring the sustenance of life on earth. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, seed-time was a crucial period that required careful planning and labor. The success of the harvest depended on the timely sowing of seeds, which was often accompanied by prayers for favorable weather and divine blessing. The Israelites' dependence on agriculture is reflected in various laws and festivals that revolve around the agricultural calendar, such as the Feast of Weeks, which celebrates the first fruits of the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22). Symbolic and Theological Significance Seed-time carries rich symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing the principles of sowing and reaping, which are used to illustrate moral and spiritual truths. In Galatians 6:7-8 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Here, seed-time serves as a metaphor for human actions and their consequences, emphasizing the importance of living according to God's will. The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13:3-9, further illustrates the spiritual implications of seed-time. Jesus describes a sower who scatters seeds on different types of soil, each yielding different results. This parable highlights the receptivity of the human heart to the Word of God, with seed-time symbolizing the initial reception and potential growth of spiritual truth. Practical Implications For the people of Israel, seed-time was not only a practical necessity but also a time of faith and reliance on God's provision. The agricultural cycle, including seed-time, was a constant reminder of their dependence on God's faithfulness and the natural order He established. The observance of sabbatical years, during which the land was to lie fallow (Leviticus 25:4), further emphasized the need to trust in God's provision and timing. In summary, seed-time in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the practical aspects of agriculture, the moral and spiritual lessons of sowing and reaping, and the theological truths about God's covenant and provision. It serves as a reminder of the divine order established by God and the importance of aligning human actions with His will. Strong's Hebrew 2233. zera -- a sowing, seed, offspring... child, fruitful, seedtime, sowing- time. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity -- X carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing ... /hebrew/2233.htm - 6k Library CM Anonymous. Seed-Time and Harvest Shall not Cease. Weeping Seed-Time and Joyful Harvest. Ps. 126. LM Doddridge. Weeping Seedtime; Joyful Harvest. The Unchangeable One The Sermon of the Seasons A Present Religion Whether the Movement of the Heavenly Bodies Will Cease? Sowing and Reaping A New Years Sermon to the Young Everybody's Sermon Thesaurus Seedtime (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The season proper for sowing. Multi-Version Concordance Seedtime (1 Occurrence). Genesis 8:22 While ... /s/seedtime.htm - 6k Seed-time (1 Occurrence) Time (7245 Occurrences) Winter (22 Occurrences) Summer (28 Occurrences) Seeeth (1 Occurrence) Seed-stones (1 Occurrence) Cease (138 Occurrences) Cold (25 Occurrences) Agriculture Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Seed-time (1 Occurrence)Genesis 8:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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