The scientific name of wheat is Triticum aestivum. In ancient Israel, wheat cultivation followed a seasonal agricultural cycle marked by the "early rains" (yoreh) in the fall and the "latter rains" (malkosh) in the spring, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:14: "I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil." The wheat harvest typically occurred from late spring to early summer, around May to June, coinciding with the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot).
This agricultural practice was deeply intertwined with the Law of Israel, which provided detailed guidelines and commandments that influenced farming activities. As stated in Leviticus 25:3-4: "Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land." The observance of sabbatical years (Shmita) and festivals like Shavuot celebrated the wheat harvest and demonstrated the spiritual significance of agriculture in Israeli society.
The Church at Pergamon, addressed in Revelation 2:12-17, is noted for holding fast to the teachings despite being in a challenging environment: "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith" (Rev 2:13). The Law of Israel, with its strict commandments and guidelines, serves as a precursor to the mantle of strict literalism adopted by the Church at Pergamon.
This church was renowned for its unwavering adherence to literal interpretations of scripture, reflecting a commitment to maintaining doctrinal purity and resisting external influences. As Jesus declared in Revelation 2:16: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." The connection is further emphasized by the symbolic reference to wheat in Revelation 2:12, which ties back to the Law of Israel and its agricultural laws. This relationship is reinforced in Matthew 13:24-30, where Jesus uses the parable of wheat and tares to illustrate the importance of maintaining pure doctrine and distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Pergamum, a church that remained true to the faith despite living "where Satan's throne is" (Revelation 2:13), yet faced significant challenges. As Jesus commended them, "You hold fast to my name, and did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells" (Revelation 2:13). However, the church also received a stern warning for tolerating false teachings.
The Lord rebuked them saying, "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality" (Revelation 2:14). Additionally, they harbored "those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate" (Revelation 2:15).
This historical account serves as a powerful call for discernment and the courage to uphold truth in our modern world, which is equally rife with deception and moral relativism. As Paul warned Timothy, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers" (2 Timothy 4:3). The challenge remains: offering unchanging truth in a world that increasingly prioritizes convenience over conviction.
graph TD
A[Wheat, law of Israel] -->|Rev 2:12 - Pergamon| Pergamon
B[Scientific Name: Triticum aestivum]
A --> B
Scientific name: Triticum aestivum.
Wheat Kernel and the Law of Israel
Pergamon, the third of seven communities mentioned in Rev 2-3, whose guardian angel Entolas stood against doctrinal errors, exemplified steadfast faith in challenging times. As Scripture records in Revelation 2:13, "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you."The church's commitment to recover stability and maintain orthodoxy through preserving inerrancy reflects the wisdom of Psalm 119:160: "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever." Without this foundation, indeed "the people perish" (Prov 29:18), but blessed is he who keeps the law.This aligns with the mandate in Malachi 4:4 to "remember the law of Moses", which finds its fulfillment in Christ's words: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). The church at Pergamon teaches us about standing firm in doctrine, as Paul exhorted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."