Monthly Archives: May 2024

Bringing in the Sheaves

The two main grain crops in Bible times were wheat and barley. Barley tended to be used mostly by the poor and for the feeding of the animals. It was planted and ripened about a month earlier than wheat.

Here is a list of the Biblical references to cutting the grain, binding it into sheaves so they could be brought into the barns.

The Psalmist said ” He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm126:6 ESV). And again, the Psalmist says, with which the reaper does not fill his hand nor the binder of sheaves his arms (Psalm 129:7 ESV)

Sheeves of grain bound to be gathered into the barn near ancient Samaria. The tell can be seen on top of the hill to the left of the photo. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Grain that has been cut and bound so that it can be brought into the barn. The ancient hill of Samaria can be seen in the distance.

Shepherds & Sheep in the desert

One of the most familiar Biblical verses is certainly Psalm 23.

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Ps. 23:1-3 ESV)

We often see shepherds and their sheep in beautiful green areas at many places in the Bible Lands, but in this case we see the shepherd with his sheep in the desert.

Our photo was made in Jordan along the desert road that leads from Amman to Aqaba.