Topical Encyclopedia
A mattock is an ancient agricultural tool mentioned in the Bible, primarily used for digging and breaking up hard ground. It is similar in function to a pickaxe, with a broad, chisel-like blade on one side and a pointed end on the other. The mattock was an essential implement for farmers and laborers in biblical times, aiding in the preparation of soil for planting and the removal of stones and roots.
Biblical References:The term "mattock" appears in several passages of the Bible, highlighting its significance in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. One notable reference is found in
1 Samuel 13:20-21, which describes the Philistines' control over the production and sharpening of iron tools, including mattocks, during the time of King Saul:
"So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his ax, or his sickle. The charge was a pim for the plowshares, mattocks, forks, and axes, and for repointing a goad." (
1 Samuel 13:20-21)
This passage illustrates the dependence of the Israelites on the Philistines for maintaining their agricultural tools, underscoring the strategic advantage the Philistines held over Israel by controlling the technology and resources necessary for farming.
Symbolic and Practical Significance:In the biblical context, the mattock symbolizes the hard labor and toil associated with agriculture, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. The use of the mattock reflects the curse of toil placed upon humanity after the Fall, as described in
Genesis 3:17-19, where God tells Adam that he will eat from the ground through painful labor.
The mattock also serves as a metaphor for spiritual preparation and cultivation. Just as a farmer uses a mattock to break up fallow ground, believers are called to prepare their hearts for the reception of God's word. This imagery is echoed in the prophetic literature, where the breaking up of fallow ground is a call to repentance and spiritual renewal (see
Hosea 10:12).
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, the mattock was a vital tool for survival, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the people. The Israelites, like their neighbors, relied heavily on agriculture for sustenance, and the mattock was indispensable for ensuring productive harvests. The control of iron technology by the Philistines, as mentioned in 1 Samuel, highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the period and the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their agricultural practices.
The mattock's presence in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of the daily realities of life in ancient Israel and the dependence of the people on God's provision through the land. It also underscores the broader biblical themes of labor, stewardship, and the spiritual cultivation of one's life in accordance with divine principles.
Strong's Hebrew
855a. eth -- a plowshare... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a plowshare NASB Word Usage mattock
(1),
mattocks (1), plowshares (3). 855, 855a. eth. 855b . Strong's Numbers
Library
The Release of Saint George.
... themselves.". The Fairy having thus spoken, supplied the Knight and his Squire
with hammers, chisels, spades,mattocks, and crowbars....
Josiah
... and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.6. And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and
Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with theirmattocks round about.7...
But if Men Either Knew Themselves Thoroughly, or had the Slightest...
... and bowls, [3531] because they have made under-shirts, outer-shirts, cloaks, plaids,
robes of state, knives, cuirasses and swords,mattocks, hatchets, ploughs....
Of the Jews; of their Attempt at Building, and of the Heaven-Sent...
... He despatched also as governor a fit man to carry out his impious orders. It is
said that they mademattocks, shovels, and baskets of silver....
Columban.
... Columban once saw, after the foundation of the abbey of Fontaines, sixty men
laboriously loosening the soil with theirmattocks, to prepare it for the future...
Psalm XCIV.
... you patience in time of adversity, until the pit be digged up for the ungodly, do
not think that the Angels are standing in some place withmattocks, and are...
Chapter xlix
... On that memorable occasion Simeon and Levi, perhaps lacking swords and also to avoid
suspicion, may have come down upon Shechem with heavymattocks in their...
Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... And again, by means of them, he cleared out and cleaned with spades and
mattocks"the admonitory words of doctrine [2900] "the souls which a little while...
Thesaurus
Mattocks (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Mattocks (3 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:20 but all
the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen
...Mattock (2 Occurrences)
... or coulter. (3.) Hebrews herebh, marg. of text (2 Chronicles 34:6). Authorized
Version, "with theirmattocks," marg. "mauls." The...
Goads (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and for the plowshares,
and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads....
File (1 Occurrence)
... File (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and for
the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads....
Filing (1 Occurrence)
... Filing (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and
for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads....
Forks (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and for
the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads....
Three-pronged (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 and there hath been the file formattocks, and for coulters, and
for three-pronged rakes, and for the axes, and to set up the goads. (YLT)....
Two-thirds (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and for the plowshares, and
for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. (See NAS)....
Thirds (2 Occurrences)
... Thirds (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and
for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads....
Repointing (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for themattocks, and for the plowshares, and
for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. (See NIV)....
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