Isaiah 28:25
When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture distinguished crop types requiring different treatment. Fitches (black cummin, used as spice) and cummin were scattered in prepared areas. Wheat, the staple grain, was planted carefully in rows. Barley, hardier than wheat, went in less prime areas. Spelt (primitive wheat variety) marked borders. Paul uses similar agricultural imagery: "I have planted, Apollos watered" (1 Corinthians 3:6)—different workers, different methods, one purpose. God's varied dealings with believers (trials, blessings, gifts, callings) reflect His farming wisdom, not randomness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'differentiated planting' (treating people individually according to their needs) encourage you?
- What kind of 'seed' are you—requiring scattering, orderly rows, or specific placement—and how does this shape God's dealings with you?
- How should understanding God's individualized care affect how you view others' different experiences and callings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? After plowing (v.24), the farmer plants—but not randomly. When he hath made plain the face thereof (halo im-shivvah faneyha, הֲלוֹא אִם־שִׁוָּה פָנֶיהָ, when he has leveled its surface) describes preparing a smooth seedbed. Then deliberate, differentiated planting: cast abroad the fitches (hefits qetsach, הֵפִיץ קֶצַח, scatter black cummin/nigella), scatter the cummin (ve-kammon yizroq, וְכַמֹּן יִזְרֹק, and sow cummin), cast in the principal wheat (ve-sam chittah sorah, וְשָׂם חִטָּה שׂוֹרָה, put wheat in rows).
The appointed barley (u-se'orah nismanah, וּשְׂעֹרָה נִסְמָנָה, and barley in appointed place) and the rie in their place (ve-kussemet gevulato, וְכֻסֶּמֶת גְּבֻלָתוֹ, and spelt in its border). Each crop receives appropriate treatment—some scattered broadcast (fitches, cummin), some in rows (wheat), some in designated spots (barley, spelt). The farmer knows each seed's needs and plants accordingly. God similarly treats people individually—not uniformly but appropriately. Some receive gentle scattering, some orderly rows, some specific placement. Divine wisdom knows what each needs for fruitfulness (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Romans 12:3-8).