HARVEST (קָצִיר֒, H7907, θερισμός, G2546). The ingathering of crops was a vital part of Palestine’s agrarian culture. Barley harvest began in mid-April along the Jordan and about a month later in the high areas. The sickle was the major instrument used. During harvest time, the Jordan overflowed its banks (Josh 3:15). Two weeks later, the wheat harvest began, lasting about seven weeks (Ruth 2:23). Summer fruits, such as figs and grapes, were harvested in August and September. From September through the middle of November, olives were gathered by beating the trees with sticks (Deut 24:20). Joshua 2:6 mentions the drying of flax stalks in March and April. The Gezer calendar of the 10th cent. b.c. supplies valuable information concerning the dating of various harvests.

Instructions were given clearly, requiring reapers to leave crops in areas of the field so that the poor and sojourners might follow them (Lev 19:9; Ruth 2:15, 16). Harvest time was characterized by intense heat, when a mistcloud brought welcome relief (Prov 25:13; Isa 18:4). The joy in harvest was a highlight of the year (Isa 9:3).

Several moral teachings are related to sowing and reaping. The law of reaping what one sows, whether righteousness (Hos 10:12) or wickedness (Prov 22:8) is given repeatedly. Galatians 6:7 echoes this law. Harvest is a picture of the blessing upon the returning captivity of Judah (Hos 6:11). More frequently, the wielding of the sickle in harvest portrays the judgment upon the nations of the world (Joel 3:13). Revelation 14:15 repeats this image of judgment as the “...harvest of the earth is fully ripe.”

Mark 4:29 compares the harvest to the kingdom of God, which grows by stages. The separation of the weeds and wheat will occur at the “harvest” of the kingdom (Matt 13:30). Christ used the harvest to represent a world of souls which is ready to be reached with the Gospel. The fields are ready to be harvested “but the laborers are few” (Matt 9:37).

See Agriculture.

Bibliography G. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1962), 183-187; G. L. Archer, A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (1964), 230, 231.