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Ploughing

Ploughing in Scripture represents both the literal agricultural work necessary for survival and a spiritual metaphor for steadfast commitment to God's kingdom. The Bible uses ploughing imagery to teach lessons about diligence, perseverance, and the consequences of our choices.

Overview

Throughout Scripture, ploughing serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation and commitment. Just as a farmer must plough the ground before sowing seeds, believers must prepare their hearts for God's Word. Ploughing also symbolizes difficult work that yields future blessing, and the consequences of our labour—whether righteous or sinful.

Key Scriptures

"No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62, ESV). "Those who plough iniquity and sow trouble reap the same" (Job 4:8, NASB). "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD" (Hosea 10:12, ESV).

Application

Examine your own spiritual commitment: are you looking back with regret, or pressing forward wholeheartedly in following Christ?

Scripture References 23
Luke 9:62 Luke 9:62 Amos 6:12 Proverbs 20:4 Isaiah 28:24 Isaiah 28:25 Isaiah 61:5 Luke 17:7 Psalms 129:3 Genesis 5:29 Job 4:8 Hosea 10:13 Hosea 10:11 Isaiah 2:4 Micah 4:3 Jeremiah 4:3 1 Corinthians 9:10 1 Kings 19:19 Jeremiah 4:3 Hosea 10:12 Deuteronomy 22:10 1 Samuel 14:14 Job 1:14
Full Topical Reference List 23 total — Nave's Topical Bible

(Attention and constancy required in,) of continued devotedness

Luke 9:62

By a plough

Luke 9:62

Difficulty of, on rocky ground

Amos 6:12

During the cold winter season

Proverbs 20:4

Followed by harrowing and sowing

Isaiah 28:24 Isaiah 28:25

Generally by servants

Isaiah 61:5 Luke 17:7

In long and straight furrows

Psalms 129:3

Noah the supposed inventor of

Genesis 5:29

Of a course of sin

Hosea 10:13 Job 4:8

Of a severe course of affliction

Hosea 10:11

Of peace and prosperity

Isaiah 2:4 Micah 4:3

Of repentance and reformation

Jeremiah 4:3

Of the labour ministers

1 Corinthians 9:10

Sometimes by the owner of the land himself

1 Kings 19:19

The breaking up or tilling of the earth

Hosea 10:12 Jeremiah 4:3

With an ox and an ass yoked together forbidden to the Jews

Deuteronomy 22:10

With oxen

1 Samuel 14:14 Job 1:14
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