3. General Editor. Between the barley harvest in April and the wheat harvest, only a few showers fall, which are welcomed because they increase the yield of wheat (compare Amos 4:7). And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. Jesus reflects the Bible's theological viewpoint on harvest when he enjoins believers to ask the "Lord of the harvest" for laborers ( Matt 9:38 ). Christians thank God for the food during harvest. Yet, the Bible contains indications that the new moon of Tishri, the seventh month, coinciding with the beginning of autumn, may also have functioned as a New Year. Answers From the Bible, How Can I Stop Judging People? Bibliography Information The harvest this year is abundant. Any foreign mattertares or any other unwanted substancewould be removed, and only clean, ready-to-use grain would remain. "Nisan" appears only in texts written after their return. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. We reap whatever we sow. Dr. Mike holds under-graduate through post graduate degrees in Christian Education and formerly worked as a nurse. Twowomen shall begrinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. The harvest workers are the angels and harvest time is the end of the age. "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." This "harvest" is the process of God's reaching out to people, by God's servants. (Revelation 14:17-20). "Joy in harvest" typified great joy (Isaiah 9:3); "harvest of the Nile," an abundant harvest (Isaiah 23:3). A simple observation of the local barley crop would tell them whether the ears would ripen to the "green ear" stage by the next new moon. Their calculations were based on astronomical data that had been collected over many hundreds of years, and before long, they could predict the conjunction of moon and sun to the minute. The whole concept of firstfruits is that God is not converting the world now. Gleaning was forbidden (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19) (see GLEANING). The first one mentioned is that of the law of seeds and harvests. Barley was one of the most important grains raised in Pal. Harvest. 39 views, 2 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from First Reformed Church of Rock Valley: First Reformed Church of Rock Valley was live. The judgment of God uses a familiar image in the life of Israel, but it does not carry the joy experienced at the seasonal gathering. We could say they are all about Himand His plan and our part in it with Him. Normally, between 15 to 20 sheaves made up one shock. There are DIFFERENT harvests in the Bible. Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" Word Definitions, Terminology, and Jargon. Let's review some metaphors: The metaphor of bringing in the sheaves is about bringing in a harvest. Barley of the first crop was ready for the harvest by the time of the Passover, in the middle of April (Ruth 1:22; 2 Samuel 21:9). Your email address will not be published. The harvesters long for cool weather during the reaping season (compare Proverbs 25:13). What does the harvest mean in the Bible? The King James Version of the Bible explicitly lists wimples in Isaiah 3:22 as one of a list of female fineries; however, . What does the Bible say about abundant harvest? In most cases, the wording is that the holy day "is a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it" (see Leviticus 23:7-8, 21, 24-25, 35-36). (Jeremiah 5:24), But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Let us the harvest of our labor eat. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). These holy times, then, contain a vitally important corporate aspect, producing unity in purpose, doctrine, and relationships within the Body of Christ. If you are desiring a harvest in your life, one thing is sureyou can't reap . While we celebrate a harvest season just once a year, we experience the spirit of harvest all the time. The same metaphor is found in Jer. Paul's point is that Christians, like farmers, will reap a harvest by not growing weary and not giving up. What are the principles of harvest? Israel turned away from the Lord and suffered a punishment like a harvest. But sometimes it's easy to think there isn't anyone left to witness to. Feasting is part of the holy day experience. Samuel made use of the unusual occurrence of rain during the wheat harvest to strike fear into the hearts of the people (1Samuel 12:17). You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings." Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest trulyisplenteous, but the labourersarefew; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. At this stage, one might ask, what happened to the grain until it reached full maturity? The barley ripens first around the time of Passover; the wheat ripens next around the time of Pentecost; and the grapes ripen last in the fall around the time of Tabernacles. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" . All Rights Reserved. This includes not only our paying jobs, but also the ordinary work that we would do around the house, on our cars, in our yards, at the local community center, etc. 2004 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren And they answered, "The Lord bless you" (Ruth 2:2-4). They are welcome because they are supposed to hasten the harvest. Winnowing is done by throwing the grain up into the air on a breezy day and letting the wind blow any remaining chaff from it. One of my favorite seasons is fall. By this, the Son of God is actually saying, The harvest workers are the angels and harvest time is. Going back even further, its roots communicated the idea of plucking or cutting fruit with shears. The goal of good harvesting is to maximize crop yield and minimize any crop losses and quality deterioration. Answers From the Bible, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review. This means that we are not to attend to our normal, weekday workthe kinds of activities that we do on the other six days of the week. 5. Required fields are marked *. Thayer Bible dictionary says the word translated "the harvest" figureitivly means the gathering in of souls into the kingdom of God. The firstfruits came to the priest, who would offer them to the Lord. 3) The Grape Harvest. The "three times" are three general periods during which God's holy days fall. Human Response. As we are still working to preach the gospel today, let us consider Jesus' statement and the circumstances surrounding it. The harvest is already plentiful God has already redeemed the world; the battle has already been fought; love has already won. Richard T. Ritenbaugh However, each of these indications of a Tishri 1 New Year can be disputed. . (From Forerunner Commentary). Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Depending on the rains, barley would be harvested in mid-May and wheat about one month later. Likewise, in most cultures it is a time when families unite to celebrate the blessings of the harvest before entering the long dark winter. Everyone gets physically weary, but nothing compares to the weariness of spirit. Later, this month was named "Nisan," a Chaldean word borrowed during the Jews' exile in Babylon. This is the transition color between the green of immature grain and the golden brown of fully ripe grain. a Jewish holiday held in the fall to celebrate the gathering of the harvest as well as the Jewish exodus from Egypt. In particular, notice the references to the barley harvest. The harvest represents the people in our lives God wants us to share the gospel with. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. What does Wimples mean in the Bible? But the focus in harvest revolved around the product and the work of the Lord in bringing it to completion. God established His holy days around the two major harvests of the year, a small one in the spring and a larger one in the fall. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. When the fields are "white" for harvest, it means they are "ripe" or "ready" to be harvested. Threshing. Definition of harvest (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : the season for gathering in agricultural crops the beginning of the harvest. Jesus refers to God as "the Lord of the harvest" (Matthew 9:38). A Harvest Caught Up and Harvest of Wrath By Irvin Baxter Two Harvests. Some of the harvest remained in the fields for the poor ( Lev 19:9 ; 23:22 ). 2) The Wheat Harvest. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. How Do We Keep God's Festivals? We already have everything we need, for every good and perfect gift has been offered to us by a loving and gracious God. 51:33 and Hosea 6:11. The answer is a resounding, "No!" At this stage, it is hard and can be ground into fine flour. For this reason Jesus anointed his twelve disciples to begin teaching on His behalf. The word for harvest used here is the Hebrew word qsir, which also has similarities to the derivatives of the word that indicate taking, plucking, or cutting of fruit (2). Dr. Mike has worked in the information technology field for many years and he uses his talents and experience in the ministry for the glory of the Lord. With that comes corn on the cob, apple cider, and pumpkin pie. Email. For example, Ezekiel 40:1 contains a phrase, "the head of the year" (KJV) or "the beginning of the year" (New King James Version [NKJV]), in concert with a date, the tenth day of the month, which Judaism identifies as Tishri, making this the Day of Atonement. Many definite laws were instituted regarding the harvest. We surround ourselves with others who are like us and mistakenly think they are already saved. Judgment is the focus again in the words of the angel in Revelation 14:15. Biblical writers used the terms "latter rain" and "former rain" to describe the visitation of the Holy Spirit upon the church in a dispensational sense. Even so, it is still better to prepare as much of the food beforehand, as on a weekly Sabbath, to get the most from the feasts. Thanks for the comment and question. We see this in the following passages. Some derivatives of the word also included the idea of a celebratory plucking, such as harvest home or harvest moon references (1). Dr. Michael L. Williams
(This phrase, Hebrew rosh hashana, is used by Jews today to designate the Feast of Trumpets, the first day of the seventh month.). The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. What does harvest mean? The first mention of the word harvest is found in Genesis 8:22 in the context of Gods Words to Noah just after they came out of the ark after the flood: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. John 4:34-36 in the Holy Bible "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. The harvest as we all know is the time that the year's work bears fruits for the people's feeding. The return of Israelites to the Land after the captivity is described as sowing with tears and reaping with joy (Psalm 126). It's also called the Day of the Firstfruits, the Feast of Harvest, or in Hebrew (and in Israel today), Shavuot (which means "weeks"). Harvesting can be done manually, using hands or knifes and it can be done mechanically with the use of rippers, combine harvesters or other machines. All rights reserved. Worldly wisdom encourages us to be selfish and greedy, and to put our own interests before the needs of others. However, when we take a closer look, we can see there are . (4) The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within, the decadence of the people. is a pastor, author, Christian educator and Biblical counselor who has served in ministry since 2001. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousandandsix hundred furlongs. In not so ancient history, the word harvest was a word with roots in many languages that indicated the season of autumn. The next cycle mentioned is that of our established pattern of annual seasons. Once inside the threshing floor, the grain was ready for the next step in the process, threshing, when the grain was separated from the husks. Jesus then turns to his disciples, telling them the harvest is already abundant. The first mention of the word harvest is found in Genesis 8:22 in the context of God's Words to Noah just after they came out of the ark after the flood: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. If you do watch the movie in its entirety, notice the references to the harvest. Next post: KJV Bible Verses About Drunkenness and Drinking. The fruits of God's work in the world are ours to enjoy. 3a : a mature crop (as of grain or fruit) : yield bountiful harvests. A destroyed harvest typified devastation or affliction (Job 5:5; Isaiah 16:9; 17:11; Jeremiah 5:17; 50:16). autumn, In addition to the literal use of the word referring to the harvesting of ripened crops, the Bible uses the same word when referring to rescuing of the remnant of Israel and the resurrection and rapture of believers from the earth. You plant a seed you reap a harvest. Jesus spoke of His resurrection using the language of the harvest. The stalks were held and shaken to remove the grain from the husks, and if they proved stubborn, the grain heads were gently beaten with an instrument. A threshing machine had also been invented to thresh the grain. It is used in parables to express spiritual realities (Luke 8:4-8) and as a metaphor for spiritual growth and well-being (James 3:18; 2 Corinthians 9:10). 43 related questions found. The "time of harvest," in the Old Testament frequently meant the day of destruction (Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Joel 3:13). Harvest means the reaping in of grain or other farm products; or the season for doing this. Metaphorical Usage. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Just like ripe fruit on a tree, this spiritual harvest of lost souls are ready to be picked. In fact, Israel herself becomes a harvest ( Hosea 6:11 ). When fully developed and ready for use, grain is golden brown in color. Christians also thank God for the variety of food and everything that helps the food to grow. Offerings came from the fullness of one's harvest ( Exod 22:29 ). (3) the feast of Tabernacles at the end of the year (October) during the fruit harvest. Richard T. Ritenbaugh Salem Media Group. Jesus refers to the harvest of people who are ready to believe and be gathered into the kingdom (Matthew 9:38). (1) Online Etymology Dictionary (2016). In Syria the Christians still celebrate 'id er-rubb ("feast of the Lord"), at which time the owners of the vineyards bring their first bunches of grapes to the church. Harvest. This machine, pulled around the field by draft animals, cut and bound the sheaves and deposited them behind it to be picked up by harvesters and put into shocks. Login . Jeremiah 5:17 17 They will eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat. Click to see full answer However, Christ refers to the early harvest of His church, which He says is ready to harvest. This opening shot reveals two very important principles to begin our quest to find out how to keep the holy days. By this, the Son of God is actually saying there is in fact a ripe harvest of spiritually lost people.Click to see full answer. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. No farmer expects a harvest if he has not planted at the proper time. The solution to this problem was relatively simple. We see this theme throughout the Bible. Hebrews 12:11, ESV: For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Blessings, The nation of Babylon comes to "harvest" her ( Jer 51:33 ). In the Old Testament, the Feast of Pentecost is called the "Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field" (Exodus 23:16). "Head of the year," then, would indicate the tenth day of the first month, Abib, making Abib 1 the true rosh hashana. As for the Feast of Tabernacles taking place "at the end of the year," it doesat the end of the agricultural year. The means of the conjunction of the external man with the internal have been described under the representation of the four sons of Jacob by the handmaids; and the . (2) Strong, James (2016). Winter and summer are just two of the 4 seasons mentioned. Like Sabbaths, they are holy convocations, as can be seen in the ensuing instructions. noun [masculine] ingathering, harvest (on formation compare Lag BN 173 Ba NB 136) Exodus 34:22 (J); Exodus 23:16 (E) both Cov't codes. Paul correlates the volume of what we will reap spiritually with what we are willing to sow (see 2 Corinthians 9:6). The cone shape of the shock provided support for the sheaves, keeping them from falling to the ground, and allowed the air to pass through the standing stalks, giving the grain the opportunity to age to maturity. 25:15, 28-31. In addition, within a very short time, the grain can be hauled to storage bins for later use. What is the harvest in the parable of the weeds? "Entry for 'HARVEST'". Bible Meaning. Drought and famine symbolized unrepentant sin (see Psalm 32:3-4). The harvest is a common biblical theme associated with the kingdom of God ( Isaiah 27:12; Joel 3:13; Amos 9:13; Matthew 7:16-19; 9:37; 13:24-30; Luke 10:2; Revelation 14:14-16 ). The second principle appears in the command to "proclaim [them] to be holy convocations." The term "firstfruits" was used to refer to those who first became Christians in a particular geographic area (Romans 16:5, 1Corinthians 16:15). Metaphorical usage of harvest takes on a positive sense when Jeremiah refers to Israel as God's fruitfruits of harvest ( 2:3 ). Then, the shocks would be carefully hauled to the threshing floor, and once there, the fruits of grain were secure. It culminated a grain harvest that began with the "Feast of Firstfruits," which we know as the day of the wavesheaf, when the firstfruits of the barley harvest were offered before the Lord ( Leviticus 23:10-14 ). Previous post: What Is The 7th (Seventh) Commandment In The Bible? Strongs number H7105. The earliest reckoning of the first month may have relied on visible observation of the new moon that coincided with the "green ear" stage of the growth of barley. "The harvest is past" meant that the appointed time was gone (Jeremiah 8:20). What does the Bible say about the laborers are few? Godly wisdom, on the other hand, leads to peace, mercy, and sincerity. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloudonesat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. What Is The 7th (Seventh) Commandment In The Bible? For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. So Ruth "set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. When specifically does this month begin? If for any reason they are not harvested, there are chances of the fruits or the produce spoiling and the usefulness wasted. The harvest is truly plentiful. It was grown chiefly for horses and asses, but was also eaten by the poor. Throughout the Bible, the harvest carries spiritual significance. Our observance of these days is to focus on Him and His teaching, and with that comes wonderful spiritual and physical benefits. What does Lord of the harvest mean in the Bible? The Biblical New Year. "Bringing in the sheaves" is a term used in the Bible to describe the gathering of grain crops. The name of this first month does not appear until the next chapter, where within further instructions on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, God says, "On this day you are going out, in the month Abib" (Exodus 13:4). These were the precursors to the modern-day combine. Strongs Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary, Tagged as: (Matthew 13:36-40), Say not ye, There are yet four months, andthencometh harvest? Wheat is the most important of the "six species of the land" in Deuteronomy 8:8 and valued as a divine provision for the people of God(1). What the Bible says about This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. 15 views, 0 likes, 0 loves, 4 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Cornerstone Community Church: 2:ways not to be wrong by Pastor Mike Yoakum At the end of time people will be separated into their eternal destiny. Because it parallels Israel's spring grain harvest as opposed to the fall harvest of fruits and vegetables, this "harvest of the firstfruits" has often been referred to as the early harvest of the children of God. Read them in the archive below. The product of labor; fruit or fruits. Tishri 1, they assert, began what can be called the "civil" or "secular" year, while Abib 1 inaugurated the "sacred," "cultic," or "religious" year. Thanks for stopping by! God's harvest is needy people, and this name of God clearly indicates that the harvest belongs to God. In Proverbs the harvesting of ants is mentioned as a lesson for the sluggard (Proverbs 6:8; 10:5; 20:4). Harvest is celebrated to give thanks for the crops, which have been safely harvested. Meaning of harvest. It is clear from Gods Word that the world is divided into two groups of people. Jesus reflects the Bible's theological viewpoint on harvest when he enjoins believers to ask the "Lord of the harvest" for laborers ( Matt 9:38 ). (2) Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. What does wheat harvest mean in the Bible? 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! 2 Corinthians 9:10 Verse Concepts However, there is only a small handful of laborers willing to go out to gather the ready crops. Today, this process is done when the grain is fully ripe and ready for immediate use, yet such was not the case in ancient times. of
Such an unusual storm of excessive violence visited Syria in 1912, and did much damage to the harvests, bringing fear to the superstitious farmers, who thought some greater disaster awaited them. If you like, watch the entire movie. What is the harvest season for barley in the Bible? What does the Bible say about the word harvest? The wheat, referring to believers whom have trusted Christ as their Savior, and the tares, referring to non-believers whom have rejected God (Matthew 13:36-40). Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.. However, there is only a small handful of laborers willing to go out to gather the ready crops. Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wickedone; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. However, most usages allude to judgment. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. Looking at the greater context of Matthew 9:35-39, Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful" after preaching and proclaiming the gospel to the cities and villages and seeing the people as sheep without a shepherd. The Lord of the harvest in Greek: Ho kyrios tou therismou Paul even calls the devil "the god of this age" who has spiritually blinded the minds of most of humankind at this time ( 2 Corinthians 4:4. ; Revelation 12:9. (Genesis 8:22) The Festival of Booths fell at the end of harvest in the fall. We are in an age where the world is still being ruled by Satan the devil. ). What the Bible says about Second Harvest ( From Forerunner Commentary ) Daniel 9:24-27 God's annual holy days reveal that this is not the only "day of salvation"that He is working with only a relative few right now, and the rest of mankind will have an opportunity for salvation either during the Millennium or after the Second Resurrection. He that sows iniquity will reap a harvest of woe. Learn the meaning of the two simultaneous harvests. They also needed to know what that meant to them personally. Harvesting. He said the fields were white for harvest, meaning there was success to be had in preaching the gospel in that place. How is the word harvest used in the Bible? Farmers needed to do their part in planting to be able to reap ( Prov 6:8 ). If a person brought them, then the Lord might accept them ( Lev 23:10-11 ), an acceptance perhaps reflected in the successful completion of the harvest in the fall, a "blessing" ( Deut 24:19 ; Psalm 107:37-38 ). Acknowedgment of the Lord's part in the harvest was important, perhaps best seen when crops failed, usually attributed to the Lord for the failure of Israel to recognize God's part ( Isa 17:11 ; Amos 4:7 ; Hag 1:6 ). But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Finally, there is a reference to another harvest that is unlike those mentioned above. As we move into verse 14 we are going to look at the two harvests. James concludes his thought from the previous verse with a beautiful word picture. Even though it was harvested earlier, the grain was sufficiently developed to ripen on its own, but the important element to note is that the husk still held the grain securely until it dried, hardened, and was ready to go through a process known as threshing. The concept of reaping what one sowed was also depicted as a harvest (see Hosea 6:11). The Three Harvests: Barley, Wheat, and Grapes One of the great gifts that God has given to mankind is the ability to express ourselves through the avenue of writing. Through His death and resurrection, Yeshua became the, James who was writing to the earliest followers of Jesus, a group of first century Jews for Jesus, declared those early believers likewise to be the first fruits of the harvest. For example: Get new monthly articles and special invitations in your inbox! Holy Days: Pentecost. By this, the Son of God is actually saying there is in fact a ripe harvest of spiritually lost people. Bill Keesee (1935-2010) In consideration of these things, what does the Bible say about harvest? Two harvests are described in the Bible; a good harvest and a harvest of wrath. A RIPE HARVEST According to this scripture, we can be sure that there is a harvest of lost and needy souls out there ready to receive salvation and healing, waiting for someone to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ. Because the ancient Israelites were more closely tied to the cycles of life in nature than we are, they knew when this time was approaching. The wheat harvest takes place long after the rains have ended so that the sending of rain during the harvest was a manifest judgment from God (10). Fall, The Jews of his day understood the connection of harvest and judgment. Article Images Copyright 2022 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Since these festivals are appointed times that are to be kept annually, He must give Israel a calendar on which to place them, which in turn demands a starting point for the year. The Apostle Paul also used the term to denote that Jesus was the first of many . The Syrian farmers in some districts call it et-tabbakh el'ainib wa tin ("the fireplace of the grapes and figs"). In Luke, Jesus used this name of God when He sent seventy disciples out to prepare the cities and villages for His own ministry tour. This means that on Earth, good and bad people will grow and live together. The sheaves were then stood upright by leaning several sheaves against each other, the resulting shape resembling an Indian tepee. This harvest is the harvest of the wicked to destruction by the wrath of the Lord as follows: But as the days of Noewere, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Many of the festivals have agricultural themes, and God's holy days spell out His plan for mankind. In the lowlands near Jericho the harvest usually began in April ( Josh 3:15 ); in the hill country, not until May or the beginning of June.