Wheat and Barley: A Picture of Israel and the Nations…..By RL Buick

Consider Wheat as Righteous Israel and Barley as the Body of Christ among the Nations.

Wheat and barley are both in the grass family.

Psalm 103:15 (CVOT)

As for mortal man, his days are like grass, like a blossom of the field, so is he blossoming.

The Differences

Wheat:

Grass and seeds are consumed by humans

This will be the case in the Millennial Kingdom.  Israel will feed the nations, both spiritually and physically, in health and wellness.

Field growth can reach 3 to 5 feet, or 1.5 meters.

Each head contains 30-50 wheat grains.

Barley:

Humans consume hulled barley.

Both grain and fodder are used to feed farm animals/Nations (curs, dogs).

Field growth can reach up to 4 feet or slightly over 1 meter, subservient to Israel in standing.

Top portion contains spikes that produce 20-60 grains.

Field Maturity

Barley and Wheat, in biblical times, were planted at the same time in autumn and ripened in spring.  Barley matured faster and would be harvested sooner. The first fruits of this grain were offered during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Wheat ripens later than barley, in fact, seven weeks or forty-nine days later, hence, the Feast of New Grain, or the Feast of Weeks, on traditional Shavuot.

The most important cereal was barley. It was grown in fringe areas of the field due to its robust tolerance to harsh conditions.

Possible Foreshadow

Unleavened Bread, representing the nations, does not rise, as does Israel, in the eyes of God who are His chosen people.  At Passover, unleavened bread is served with bitter herbs.  These herbs could represent Israel’s bitter jealousy toward the nations and the evangel of grace which was rejected by Israel, delivered by the apostle Paul, over a period of years, as well as rejecting their Messiah at Pentecost on a national level.

Further thoughts

Barley, or the Body of Christ, is harvested first and snatched away.  

Wheat has its own Festival of New Grain.  The Wheat harvest pictures the gathering of Righteous Israel at the Second Advent of Christ.  They will reign in a 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom, Feast of the Lamb, and Wedding Supper with Her Bridegroom.

RL Buick

Thanks to Norman Labelle for article input.

March 2023