Topical Bible: The Calf: Fed On: Branches of Trees

◄ The Calf: Fed On: Branches of Trees ►

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In biblical times, the calf held significant importance in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Calves were often raised for various purposes, including sacrifices, agricultural work, and as a source of food. The feeding practices for calves are mentioned in the Scriptures, providing insight into the agricultural methods of the time.

Feeding Practices:

The diet of calves in biblical times included branches of trees, which were a readily available resource in the pastoral and agricultural landscapes of the ancient Near East. This practice is alluded to in the Scriptures, highlighting the use of natural resources to sustain livestock.

Biblical Reference:

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet provides a vivid description of a future time of peace and abundance, where the natural order is restored, and even the diet of animals is mentioned. Isaiah 7:25 states, "And as for all the hills once cultivated with the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run." This passage, while not directly mentioning calves, implies a setting where livestock, including calves, would graze freely, likely feeding on the vegetation available, such as branches and shrubs.

Symbolic Significance:

The feeding of calves on branches of trees can also be seen as a symbol of God's provision and the harmony of creation. In a world where God provides abundantly, even the animals are sustained by the natural bounty He has created. This reflects the biblical theme of God's care for all His creatures, as seen in passages like Psalm 104:14 , "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth."

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the use of tree branches for feeding livestock was practical and resourceful. Trees and shrubs were common in the landscape, and their branches provided a sustainable source of nourishment for animals. This practice underscores the interconnectedness of the environment and the reliance of human and animal life on the resources God has provided.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the feeding of calves on branches of trees can be seen as a reflection of God's providence and the stewardship role humans have over creation. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures, ensuring that all are provided for in accordance with God's design.

In summary, the feeding of calves on branches of trees in biblical times illustrates the practical and symbolic aspects of God's provision and the harmonious relationship between creation and the Creator. This practice, rooted in the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel, offers insights into the cultural, theological, and ecological dimensions of the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 27:10
Yet the defended city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... they may know the bread wherewith I fed you in ... Moses, God forgave the people's sin
of worshipping the calf. ... myrtle, which is fragrant, "and the branches of palm ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... with the stem, the sap of the stem is for the branches. ... banquet, it is quite another
thing to be fed at it ... lose faith in Moses, or to confide in a golden calf. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm

Psalm LXXX.
... The amplitude of the branches doth terrify thee: hold by the ... was a great flame: there
the martyrs fed with the ... a child, offer sacrifice of ram, of calf, of he ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxx.htm

Heaven's Nurse Children
... which had its rise in Eden, electing love branches off into ... You can but be fed, and
it matters not whether ... see and handle, shall be the golden calf which we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/heavens nurse children.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... in several places so narrow that the branches of the ... and fruit, and pistachio and
olive trees grew on ... of Anti-Lebanon, where two rivers, fed by innumerable ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... or ten yards from the ground; these branches are subdivided ... and sweet, and pure,"
whereby gods and men are fed. ... joint and the muscles of the calf are strongly ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... grow in the sand far away from the Nile, and are regarded as magic trees by the ... His
will is that they be fed and clothed, and exempted from tasks beyond their ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... a pool here called Tarentum or Terentum, fed by hot ... white tunics, crowned with flowers,
and waving branches of laurel ... sacrifice on this altar a red calf and a ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... and the tortoise and the sea-calf dreamed in my ... All these interesting branches of
inquiry, healthful and agreeable ... only those which are perpetually fed by those ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... even as unto babes in Christ; I have fed you with ... descend, or come into the church,
and branches of the ... on either side of this river grew ALL trees for food (v ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm