The process of cultivating land and raising crops, from soil preparation to the storage and transport of crops to market. Agricultural pursuits are mentioned in the opening pages of Genesis (Gen 2:15, Gen 4:2, Gen 9:2), and farming activities were important enough to be regulated by Mosaic law (Lev 19:9; Lev 25:3-5; Deut 22:9-10). The orderly system used in working the land was attributed to God (Isa 28:26), and Jesus used figures derived from farming to picture the coming of God’s kingdom (Mark 4:3-8; Mark 4:26-29). Plowing for winter crops did not begin until after the “early” or “former” rains of autumn (Prov 20:4); only then could lightweight plows scratch the surface of sun-baked fields. Sowing, which was usually accomplished by broadcasting seed, could precede or follow plowing. After a bumper crop, the threshing and winnowing process could last all summer. Meanwhile, summer crops had been planted after the winter rains; these plants were cultivated throughout the dry summer months. The harvesting of fruit, including olives and grapes, began in late summer and continued into fall. In the Bible, almost every aspect of agricultural work assumed a figurative meaning in the minds of ancient speakers and writers (Isa 21:10; Amos 9:13; Mic 4:12-13; Matt 9:37-38; Matt 13:3-32; Luke 9:62; 1Cor 9:9-11; Gal 6:7; Rev 14:14-20).
