Topical Encyclopedia Se-o'rim is a biblical term that appears in the context of ancient Israelite society, specifically relating to agricultural practices and offerings. The term "se-o'rim" is the Hebrew word for "barley," a significant grain in the ancient Near East and a staple in the diet of the Israelites. Barley was one of the first grains to be harvested in the agricultural year, marking the beginning of the harvest season.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 9:31 · "Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom." This verse is part of the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, where the destruction of the barley crop is mentioned as a consequence of the hail plague. The timing of the barley harvest is significant, as it indicates the season during which the plagues occurred. 2. Leviticus 27:16 · "If a man consecrates to the LORD a parcel of his land, then your valuation shall be proportionate to the seed required for it: fifty shekels of silver for every homer of barley seed." This passage outlines the valuation of land dedicated to the Lord, using barley as a standard measure for determining the land's worth. 3. Ruth 1:22 · "So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest." The timing of Naomi and Ruth's return to Bethlehem during the barley harvest is significant, as it sets the stage for the events that follow, including Ruth's gleaning in the fields of Boaz. 4. 2 Samuel 21:9 · "He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed them and exposed their bodies on the hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the days of harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest." This verse describes the execution of Saul's descendants as part of a reparation to the Gibeonites, occurring at the start of the barley harvest. Cultural and Religious Significance: Barley held a prominent place in the agricultural and religious life of ancient Israel. It was one of the seven species for which the land of Israel was praised (Deuteronomy 8:8). The barley harvest was closely associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the offering of the firstfruits, known as the "Omer" offering. This offering marked the beginning of the counting of the Omer, leading up to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), which celebrated the wheat harvest. Barley was also used in various offerings and sacrifices, as seen in the laws of the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:13-20) and the jealousy offering (Numbers 5:15). Its use in these contexts underscores its importance in the religious and daily life of the Israelites. Symbolism: In biblical symbolism, barley often represents humility and simplicity, contrasting with wheat, which is seen as a more refined grain. This symbolism is reflected in the account of Gideon, where a barley loaf is used in a dream to symbolize Gideon's victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:13-14). Overall, se-o'rim, or barley, is a term that encapsulates the agricultural, cultural, and religious dimensions of ancient Israel, serving as a reminder of God's provision and the cycles of life and worship in the biblical narrative. Concordance Se-o'rim (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 24:8 Thesaurus Se-o'rim (1 Occurrence)Se-o'rim. Seorim, Se-o'rim. Separate . Multi-Version Concordance Se-o'rim (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 24:8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, (See ... /s/se-o'rim.htm - 6k Seorim (1 Occurrence) Separate (115 Occurrences) Resources What are the most common denominations of Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian hedonism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about saving for retirement? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |