Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the practice of manuring, or fertilizing the soil, was an essential aspect of agriculture, ensuring the productivity and fertility of the land. Although the Bible does not frequently mention the specific act of manuring, the principles of caring for the land and ensuring its fruitfulness are evident throughout Scripture.
Agricultural ContextThe ancient Israelites were primarily an agrarian society, and the health of their crops was crucial for survival. Fertilizing the soil would have been a common practice to maintain its fertility, especially in a land where the climate and soil conditions could be challenging. The use of manure, compost, and other organic materials would have been understood as a means to enrich the soil and promote the growth of crops.
Biblical ReferencesWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention the word "manure," it does refer to practices that imply the use of fertilizers. In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus illustrates the importance of giving a tree another chance to bear fruit by fertilizing it. In
Luke 13:8 , the vineyard keeper says, "Sir, leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it." This passage highlights the practice of enriching the soil to encourage growth and productivity.
Symbolic MeaningThe concept of manuring or fertilizing can also be seen symbolically in Scripture. Just as manure enriches the soil, spiritual nourishment and care are necessary for the growth and fruitfulness of a believer's life. The process of spiritual growth often involves the removal of impurities and the addition of what is beneficial, akin to the agricultural practice of fertilizing.
Stewardship of the LandThe Bible emphasizes the importance of stewardship and care for the land. In
Leviticus 25:3-4 , God commands the Israelites to observe a sabbath rest for the land: "For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD." This command reflects the understanding that the land needs time to rejuvenate, much like the practice of fertilizing to restore nutrients.
ConclusionThe practice of manuring, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship, care, and the promotion of fruitfulness. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of creation and the responsibility to nurture and sustain the resources God has provided.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Manure.
Library
Of Sin by Imputation and Propagation.
... ripeness. But that such a fruit should grow out of such a holy and good
soil, so well dressed andmanured by the Lord was a wonder!...
Of Flattery.
... for the continuance, but the improving of his crimes and errors, which alas, are
too prolific of themselves, but being cultivated andmanured with perpetual...
Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... You forget the obvious fact that plants, whenmanured with dung, become richer and
more fertile and crops heavier, though you think it your gravest charge...
Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... Is the filth cleaner than the flesh which expels it? Are you not aware
how fields aremanured in order to make them productive?...
Faustus Avows his Disbelief in the Old Testament and his Disregard...
... that comes from flesh is unclean, because the origin of flesh itself is unclean,
fruits and vegetables must also be unclean, because they aremanured with dung...
His Name --Wonderful!
... The battle fields are clothed no more with the rich harvests that have beenmanured
with blood; but a new harvest has sprung up. The fields are thick with men....
Essay
... of the Divine blessing, bestowing such fruitfulness, that by one pair the vast
circumference of this earth should be gradually peopled,manured, and improved....
Thesaurus
Manured (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Manured (1 Occurrence). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded,
"'Leave it, Sir, this year also, till I have dug round it and
manured it.
...Manure (4 Occurrences)
... Manure (4 Occurrences). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it andmanured it. (Root in WEY RSV)....
Gardener (4 Occurrences)
... WEY BBE). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this year
also, till I have dug round it andmanured it. (WEY). John...
Dug (45 Occurrences)
... through. (DBY). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it andmanured it. (WEY)....
Pleaded (21 Occurrences)
... me. (See NAS). Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this
year also, till I have dug round it andmanured it. (WEY)....
Sir (90 Occurrences)
... Luke 13:8 "But the gardener pleaded, "'Leave it, Sir, this year also, till I
have dug round it andmanured it. (WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Manuscripts
Resources
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