FARMING AND FISHING IN THE BIBLE
Everyday Work in Ancient Times
The Bible is filled with images of sowing, harvesting, casting nets, and hauling in the day's catch. Farming and Fishing in the Bible explores the everyday work that sustained ancient Israel and the surrounding lands, showing how these ordinary tasks carried spiritual meaning and shaped the stories of Scripture. From parables of seeds and vineyards to the calling of fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, this book reveals how deeply farming and fishing were woven into the lives of God's people.
Drawing on Scripture, archaeology, and cultural history, this study gives readers a clear picture of how fields were cultivated, how flocks were tended, and how fish were caught, traded, and eaten. These insights not only illuminate the world of the Bible but also bring fresh understanding to the imagery used by prophets, psalmists, and Jesus Himself.
Inside this book, you'll explore:
Farming practices in ancient Israel, from plowing and planting to threshing and storing grain
The importance of vineyards, olive groves, and fig trees in daily life and worship
The role of shepherds, herds, and flocks in sustaining households and shaping biblical imagery
Fishing on the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean, including nets, boats, and daily labor
Stories of farmers, fishermen, and shepherds that reveal God's provision and care
The spiritual symbolism of seeds, harvests, and the "fishers of men" calling
How agricultural and fishing work connected communities through trade and festivals
From the quiet fields of Bethlehem to the bustling harbors of Galilee, Farming and Fishing in the Bible paints a vivid picture of ordinary labor in the ancient world. This book invites readers to see how simple, everyday work becomes a window into God's provision, blessing, and purpose.