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farms and farming in the Bible

(Matthew 22:5)

Every Hebrew had a certain portion of land assigned to him as a possession (Numbers 26:33-56). In Egypt, the lands all belonged to the king, and the husbandmen were obliged to give him a fifth part of the produce; so in Israel, Jehovah was the sole possessor of the soil, and the people held it by direct tenure from him.

By the enactment of Moses, the Hebrews paid a tithe of the produce to Jehovah, which was assigned to the priesthood. Military service, when required, was also to be rendered by every Hebrew at his own expense.

The occupation of a husbandman was held in high honor (1 Samuel 11:5-7; 1 Kings 19:19; 2 Chronicles 26:10). (See TITHE.)

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Article Version: April 5, 2026