The Hebrew word chârîysh, represented by H2758, signifies ploughing or its season. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root verb chârash H2790, to plough, this term defines the agricultural period of preparing the soil, sometimes translated as "earing time" or the "ground" itself that is to be ploughed.
In its biblical occurrences, H2758 is set within contexts of law, providence, and governance. In the law given to Moses, the command to rest is absolute, applying even during the critical seasons of earing time and harvest Exodus 34:21. During the famine in Egypt, Joseph uses the term to describe the severity of the coming years, in which there will be neither earing nor harvest, marking a complete halt to the agricultural cycle Genesis 45:6. Finally, Samuel warns Israel that a human king will conscript the people to ear his ground, transforming a foundational agricultural task into a form of state labor 1 Samuel 8:12.
Several related words help clarify the agricultural and theological context of chârîysh:
- H2790 chârash (a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough): As the root verb, it denotes the action of ploughing. It is used to describe the labor a king will demand, setting people to ear his ground 1 Samuel 8:12, and can also figuratively mean to be silent or hold one's peace Exodus 14:14.
- H7105 qâtsîyr (severed, i.e. harvest (as reaped), the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively): This word for "harvest" is paired with chârîysh to define the full agricultural work cycle. The command to rest Exodus 34:21 and the curse of famine Genesis 45:6 both apply to this entire period from ploughing to reaping.
- H7673 shâbath (a primitive root; to repose, i.e. desist from exertion): This verb for "rest" is tied directly to chârîysh in the Sabbath command. It mandates a cessation of work even during the demanding earing time, placing divine command above agricultural urgency Exodus 34:21.
The theological significance of H2758 is tied to its specific applications:
- Sabbath Precedence: Its use in Exodus establishes that God's command to rest H7673 is superior to the most essential human labors. Trust in God's provision must override the perceived need for constant work, even during the crucial ploughing season Exodus 34:21.
- Divine Sovereignty: The absence of earing during the famine demonstrates God's control over the land and its productivity. He can suspend the natural cycles of agriculture to execute His plans and judgments Genesis 45:6.
- Earthly vs. Divine Labor: The term highlights a contrast between working the land for sustenance and being conscripted to labor for a human king. Samuel's warning shows how human governance can impose burdens, demanding labor for both ploughing and making instruments H3627 of war H4421 1 Samuel 8:12.
In summary, chârîysh H2758 is a focused term for ploughing that carries significant weight. Though rare, its appearances are pivotal, framing foundational laws like the Sabbath, illustrating the scope of God's sovereignty in times of famine, and serving as a warning against the burdens of human kingship. It shows how the most basic elements of life and labor are used in Scripture to teach profound lessons about rest, providence, and authority.
TRV