Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, a "sheaf" (plural: "sheaves") referred to a bundle of grain stalks tied together after reaping. The term is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both agricultural practices and deeper spiritual truths. The concept of sheaves is woven into the fabric of Israelite life, reflecting their agrarian society and the spiritual lessons derived from it.Agricultural Significance Sheaves were an essential part of the harvest process. After the grain was cut, it was gathered into sheaves to dry before threshing. This practice is vividly depicted in the account of Ruth, where she gleaned in the fields of Boaz, gathering leftover grain after the reapers had collected the sheaves (Ruth 2:7). The gathering of sheaves was a communal activity, often involving the entire family and hired laborers. Biblical References The imagery of sheaves is used in several key biblical passages. In Genesis 37:7, Joseph recounts his dream to his brothers: "We were binding sheaves in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf." This dream foreshadowed Joseph's future rise to power and the eventual submission of his brothers to him. The Law of Moses also includes instructions regarding sheaves. In Leviticus 23:10-11, the Israelites are commanded to bring the first sheaf of their harvest to the priest as a wave offering: "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.'" This offering, known as the "Feast of Firstfruits," was a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Spiritual Symbolism Sheaves carry rich spiritual symbolism in the Bible. They represent the fruits of labor and the blessings of God. The act of gathering sheaves can symbolize the gathering of God's people or the harvest of souls. Psalm 126:5-6 captures this beautifully: "Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain." The imagery of sheaves also points to the eschatological harvest, where God will gather His people to Himself. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of harvest to describe the end times, as seen in Matthew 13:30: "Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters, 'First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, the harvest was a time of celebration and thanksgiving. The gathering of sheaves marked the culmination of months of hard work and the provision of sustenance for the coming year. Festivals such as the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) were closely tied to the agricultural calendar and involved offerings of the firstfruits, including sheaves. The practice of leaving gleanings for the poor, as seen in the book of Ruth, highlights the social and communal aspects of harvest time. This provision ensured that even the marginalized could share in the bounty of the land, reflecting God's justice and mercy. In summary, sheaves in the Bible are more than just agricultural products; they are laden with spiritual meaning and reflect the rhythms of life in ancient Israel. They serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness, the joy of harvest, and the hope of a future gathering in His eternal kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Sheaf.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEAF; SHEAVESshef, shevz ('alummah, `omer, `amir): When the grain is reaped, it is laid in handfuls back of the reaper to be gathered by children or those who cannot stand the harder work of reaping (Psalm 129:7). The handfuls are bound into large sheaves, two of which are laden at a time on a donkey (compare Nehemiah 13:15). In some districts carts are used (compare Amos 2:13). The sheaves are piled about the threshing-floors until threshing time, which may be several weeks after harvest. It is an impressive sight to see the huge stacks of sheaves piled about the threshing-floors, the piles often covering an area greater than the nearby villages (see AGRICULTURE). The ancient Egyptians bound their grain into small sheaves, forming the bundles with care so that the heads were equally distributed between the two ends (see Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians, 1878, II, 424; compare Joseph's dream, Genesis 37:5-8). The sheaves mentioned in Genesis 37:10-12, 15 must have been handfuls. It is a custom in parts of Syria for the gatherers of the sheaves to run toward a passing horseman and wave a handful of grain, shouting kemshi, kemshi (literally, "handful"). They want the horseman to feed the grain to his horse. In Old Testament times forgotten sheaves had to be left for the sojourner (Deuteronomy 24:19); compare the kindness shown to Ruth by the reapers of Boaz (Ruth 2:7, 15). Strong's Hebrew 6014. amar -- to bind sheaves... 6013, 6014. amar. 6014a . to bind sheaves. Transliteration: amar Phonetic Spelling: (aw-mar') Short Definition: sheaves. bind sheaves, make merchandise of ... /hebrew/6014.htm - 5k 6014a. amar -- to bind sheaves 5995. amir -- a swath, row of fallen grain 485. alummah -- a sheaf 1430. gadiysh -- a heap, stack 6016a. omer -- a sheaf Library Bringing in the Sheaves. PM The Sower and his Sheaves. Observations on the Words of John the Baptist John I. ... The Trials and visions of Devout Youth A visit to the Harvest Field Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the ... The Story of Joseph Joseph the Dreamer. Joseph and his Brethren Joseph, the Castaway. Thesaurus Sheaves (13 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEAF; SHEAVES. ... The sheaves are piled about the threshing-floors until threshing time, which may be several weeks after harvest. ... /s/sheaves.htm - 12k Sheaf (11 Occurrences) Obeisance (45 Occurrences) Glean (12 Occurrences) Erect (17 Occurrences) Mow (1 Occurrence) Binder (3 Occurrences) Binding (23 Occurrences) Shock (6 Occurrences) Suddenly (87 Occurrences) Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a threshing floor? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Sheaves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheaves (13 Occurrences)Genesis 37:7 Ruth 2:7 Ruth 2:15 Nehemiah 13:15 Job 5:26 Job 24:10 Psalms 126:6 Psalms 129:7 Jeremiah 9:22 Jeremiah 50:26 Amos 2:13 Micah 4:12 Zechariah 12:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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