### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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