The answer is: Consider it forbidden fruit

Lev 19:23 - The fruit was considered forbidden for the first three years to ensure healthy growth.

In Leviticus 19:23, the Israelites received an interesting command regarding freshly planted trees: they weren't allowed to eat any of the fruit that grew in the first three years. Instead, they treated that fruit as “forbidden,” or unripe. This intriguing instruction wasn't just about the trees; it provided wisdom about cultivating patience and nurturing. Imagine you plant a tree, tending to it with care, right? Giving it time to establish strong roots ensures future abundance – and this metaphor runs deep throughout the Bible.

Young fruit trees symbolized new beginnings, much like the Israelites themselves, freshly liberated from Egypt. By waiting to enjoy their harvest, farmers would have learned the importance of perseverance and proper cultivation, not just of land but of each other in community.

Now, on an interesting side note: this command can be vibrantly echoed in modern gardening practices where plant care requires careful attention and respect for development stages. The principle of allowing nature its due time mirrors the concept of connecting with cycles—growth in ourselves and among humanity can similarly offer richer, fuller rewards if allowed to mature wisely.

Have you ever heard about the sabbatical year that follows this? It emphasizes rest, reaffirming that the world wasn’t refueled by consumption alone, but through a wisdom in rhythm and balance. So, the patterned layers of instruction that built the tapestry of scriptural teachings of patience and seasonal yields live on!