“. . . [King Uzziah] also had farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil.” 2 Chronicles 26:10
I love the soil, just like King Uzziah of Judah did. My grandfather was a wheat farmer and a cattle rancher. As a child, I remember praying for rain to “save” the crop. Even today, tears spring to my eyes from the smell of a freshly mowed wheatfield after a rainfall.
As an adult, I had the opportunity to farm an orchard. I did not do any of the actual planting and harvesting as my grandfather did because the orchard was 150 miles away. Still there was something satisfying about owning an orchard. I felt close to the soil that I love.
I used to think that my love of the soil had its roots in my farming heritage. Now I believe that my love of the soil, just like King Uzziah’s, grows out of God’s imprint on my heart. God also loves the soil. How do I know that? Because God formed His most precious creation from the dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7).
God remembers we are dust, and showers us with His mercy (Ps.103:13-14). The imagery here is a Father who tenderly regards His infant child. God knows we are weak and frail because He created us. That is why He blesses us with His lovingkindness and tender mercies. God loves us deeply and provides all good things (some of them from the soil!) for those who love Him in return.
Even when our bodies return to the soil from which they came, God will continue to have compassion on us and our children (Ps. 103:17-18). His mercies are from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him; His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant. Praise God!
God will redeem both us and the earth (soil). At the end of the age, there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). Yes, God loves the soil. He loves the children He created from the soil. He loves me and YOU!