Farming in Biblical Times

In biblical times, although there was limited irrigation, most crops relied solely on the 'early rains' in October (autumn) to break a six-month summer drought. This lead into the heavy winter rains, followed by the 'latter rains' of April (spring) which brought the grain to maturity. Wars normally took place during the harvest period so the invading army could live off the land.

Grain Crops & Harvesting

The ploughed fields produced wheat and barley with bread forming a large part of the diet. The grain crops were harvested by cutting with a sickle, and the stalks bound together in sheaves. Thrashing often employed animals being driven over the sheaves to loosen the grain and chop up the stalks. Winnowing took place by tossing the crushed stalks up into the air, with the wind separating the light chaff from the heavier grain. The straw was used for animal feed.

Wheat was considered the superior grain, used for special occasions and finer bread, while barley served as the common staple for everyday consumption. The harvesting season was a time of great celebration and community effort, with entire families participating in gathering the precious grain that would sustain them through the coming year.

Pastoral Farming

Pastoral farming provided meat, skins and wool. Vineyards and fruit trees, especially olives were common with flax grown for cloth.

Shepherds tended their flocks on the hillsides and in the valleys, moving them seasonally to find fresh pasture. Sheep provided wool for clothing, milk for cheese and meat for special feasts. Goats were equally valuable for their milk, meat and hair. The olive tree held particular importance, its oil used for cooking, lighting lamps, anointing and medicinal purposes.

Grapevines produced wine for daily consumption and religious ceremonies, while fig trees offered sweet fruit that could be dried and stored. Locust plagues remained a constant threat, capable of devastating entire harvests in a matter of hours, serving as a powerful reminder of human dependence on God's provision.

Biblical Parables

Many of the parables and illustrations that Jesus used were of a farming nature and so the people could relate to them easily, such as the parable of the sower or His claim to be "the true vine" (Mt 13:3-9; Jn 15:1).

Jesus drew upon familiar agricultural imagery to convey profound spiritual truths. The parable of the wheat and tares illustrated the coexistence of good and evil in the world, while the mustard seed demonstrated how the kingdom of God grows from small beginnings. His references to vines, branches and fruitfulness underscored the importance of remaining connected to Him.

These farming metaphors resonated deeply with His audience, who understood the patience required in sowing and harvesting, the necessity of good soil for growth, and the devastating impact of weeds and pests. Through these everyday agricultural experiences, Jesus revealed eternal principles that continue to guide and inspire believers today.

Reflection & Application:

Consider how agricultural imagery deepens understanding of biblical teachings.
Reflect on the spiritual parallels between farming and faith growth.
Appreciate the cultural context of Jesus' farming parables.
Recognize God's provision through natural cycles and seasons.

See also: fruit, harvest, land, rain, sow and reap.