“The husbandman’s calling is an ancient and honourable calling; it was needful even in paradise. The garden of Eden, though it needed not to be weeded (for thorns and thistles were not yet a nuisance), yet must be dressed and kept. Nature, even in its primitive state, left room for the improvements of art and industry. It was a calling fit for a state of innocency, making provision for life, not for lust, and giving man an opportunity of admiring the Creator and acknowledging his providence: while his hands were about his trees, his heart might be with his God.”
-Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Genesis 2
Truly lovely!
I enjoyed this, thanks. Have you ever noticed 2 Chronicles 26:10? It’s a lovely account of King Uzziah’s love of husbandry.
“Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.”
I see the seal of God’s approval upon that final statement: “for he loved husbandry”.
I love that passage!
Brenda,
Thanks for sharing that passage! I have noticed it before but hadn’t taken time to study it. It does seem to indicate that it is a good thing to love farming and agriculture. The more we love God and the more his holy spirit begins show us the revelation of His character and power in the created things, the more we should love to care for His creation because it shows us more about Him.
What an amazing blog. I am called by God to farm, have been since 2002. Do you know how many people have told me I am crazy? Even Christians. I am praying for a home with land to make the farm and ministry God has shown me. I have been farming for God since 2002 giving 90% of what I grow and keeping 10% for my husband and myself. Love this entry on Husbandman. It is truly a blessing for me to read this, lately God has been defining my call for me into Biblical terms, this is it. Will enjoy following your blog. Thank you for your ministry.
Mrs. Berry,
Thanks for sharing your testimony! It is so encouraging to me to hear about the work that the Lord is doing in the hearts of his people around the world. I am so glad to hear about the ministry you are able to provide to others with what you grow.
I look forward to hearing what the Lord does with your journey,
Noah
Thank you so much Noah. I look forward to sharing with you also.