The activities of eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building are fundamental aspects of human life and society, and they are frequently mentioned in the Bible. These activities are often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and to illustrate the state of human affairs in relation to God's kingdom.

Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking are essential for physical sustenance, but in the Bible, they also carry significant spiritual symbolism. In Genesis, God provides food for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, establishing the provision of sustenance as a divine act (Genesis 1:29). Throughout Scripture, meals are occasions for fellowship and covenant-making, as seen in the Passover meal (Exodus 12) and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29).

In the New Testament, Jesus uses eating and drinking to teach spiritual truths. He declares Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35) and invites believers to partake in the spiritual nourishment He offers. The act of communion, or the Lord's Supper, is a central Christian practice that symbolizes the believer's participation in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Buying and Selling

Buying and selling are economic activities that are necessary for the functioning of society. In biblical times, these activities took place in marketplaces, which were central to community life. The Bible addresses the ethical dimensions of commerce, emphasizing honesty and fairness. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight."

Jesus' cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) highlights the potential for corruption in commercial activities, especially when they interfere with worship. In Revelation, the inability to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:17) symbolizes the control and oppression of ungodly systems.

Planting and Building

Planting and building are creative acts that reflect God's order and purpose. In Genesis, God commands humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" and to "fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28), which includes cultivating the land and constructing dwellings. These activities are often used metaphorically to describe spiritual growth and the establishment of God's kingdom.

The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) illustrates the different responses to the Word of God, likening them to seeds sown on various types of soil. Similarly, building is used to describe the foundation of one's life. Jesus teaches that those who hear His words and act on them are like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27).

In the prophetic literature, planting and building are associated with restoration and hope. Jeremiah 29:5-7 encourages the exiles in Babylon to "build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat their produce," signifying a period of peace and prosperity even in exile.

These activities—eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building—are integral to human existence and are imbued with spiritual significance throughout the biblical narrative. They serve as reminders of God's provision, the ethical dimensions of human interaction, and the call to participate in the divine order.