BARLEY HARVEST. Barley was one of the most important grains raised in Pal. It was grown chiefly for horses and asses, but was also eaten by the poor. It was sown in the fall and harvested the following spring (Ruth 2:23). In the lowlands near Jericho the harvest usually began in April (Josh 3:15); in the hill country, not until May or the beginning of June. The wheat harvest came four weeks later. When the barley harvest began, first fruits were brought to the Lord (Lev 23:10).