Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the spade was an essential tool used for various agricultural and construction purposes. While the Bible does not frequently mention spades explicitly, the tool's function and significance can be inferred from the context of ancient Near Eastern practices and the broader biblical narrative.
Agricultural UseThe spade was primarily used for tilling the soil, preparing it for planting crops. In a predominantly agrarian society, such as that of ancient Israel, tools like the spade were vital for survival and prosperity. The Bible often uses agricultural metaphors to convey spiritual truths, and the preparation of soil can be seen as analogous to preparing one's heart to receive God's word. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of different types of soil representing the condition of human hearts (
Matthew 13:3-9).
Construction and MaintenanceSpades were also used in construction and maintenance work. The Israelites, during their wilderness journey and later in the Promised Land, would have used spades for digging foundations and trenches, as well as for other construction-related tasks. The building of the Tabernacle and later the Temple would have required such tools, although the Bible does not specify the use of spades in these projects.
Symbolic and Spiritual ImplicationsWhile the spade itself is not directly mentioned in a symbolic context, the act of digging or preparing ground can carry spiritual implications. In
Jeremiah 4:3 , the prophet exhorts the people, "Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns." This metaphorical use of agricultural imagery underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and repentance.
Military UseIn a military context, spades could have been used for digging defensive structures such as trenches or fortifications. While the Bible does not specifically mention spades in warfare, the preparation of defensive positions would have been a common practice in ancient military strategy. The Israelites, under divine guidance, often engaged in battles where preparation and strategy were crucial, as seen in the conquest narratives of the Book of Joshua.
Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the role of the spade in biblical times requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Archaeological findings have provided insights into the types of tools used during this period, including spades made from wood and metal. These tools were essential for daily life and survival, reflecting the agrarian and construction needs of the time.
In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention spades explicitly, their role in agriculture, construction, and potentially military contexts can be inferred from the broader biblical narrative and historical context. The spade serves as a reminder of the practical and spiritual preparations necessary for fulfilling God's purposes.
Library
The Child Moses.
... They were taken in gangs, guarded by soldiers, to the place where the brown river
clay was thick; there they dug it out withspades, trod it with their feet...
The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... It is very coarse language, but fine words are the Devil's veils for coarse sins;
and it is needful sometimes to callspades spades, and not to be ashamed to...
Brother Hugh
... hypergeometrical noses. But temptation is not to be kept out by the diet of
Adam and of Esau, by locked doors,spades, and inkpots. The...
The Release of Saint George.
... themselves.". The Fairy having thus spoken, supplied the Knight and his Squire
with hammers, chisels,spades, mattocks, and crowbars....
"Make this Valley Full of Ditches. " 2 Kings, iii. , 16
... Do we look as if a revival would be welcomed? Does the enemy know that he may expect
an attack, or is he chuckling over our rustyspades and swords?...
The Opening of the Side of Jesus.
... Six archers soon after made their appearance, bringing with them ladders,spades,
ropes, and large iron staves for the purpose of breaking the legs of the...
Religion and Amusement.
... Really, it is hard to draw the moral line between cards bearing aces andspades,
and cards with the likenesses of Dr. Busby's son and servant, Doll the...
The Goths
... There are other Gothic women whose husbands have not been content to sweat over
spades, whose homes are adorned with the spoils of cities that their husbands...
Love and Obedience
... It would have been endless work to wheel out the filth in wheelbarrows loaded by
spades: turn the stream in, and it will sweep away all the foulness....
The Tangled Web
... He retired to his camp and in a short time soldiers appeared with tape, stakes,
sledges andspades and laid out an immense circle, all but compassing the great...
Thesaurus
Spades (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Spades (9 Occurrences). Exodus 27:3 And make all
its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
...Meat-hooks (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, thespades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE)....
Fire-trays (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, thespades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE)....
Polished (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:45 And the pots and thespades and the basins; all the vessels which Hiram
made for King Solomon, for the house of the Lord, were of polished brass....
Baskets (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 27:3 And make all its vessels, the baskets for taking away the dust of the
fire, thespades and basins and meat-hooks and fire-trays, of brass. (BBE)....
Scissors (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 25:14 And the pots and thespades and the scissors for the lights and the
spoons, and all the brass vessels used in the Lord's house, they took away....
Spain (2 Occurrences)
Spade (5 Occurrences)
Lights (71 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 25:14 And the pots and thespades and the scissors for the lights and the
spoons, and all the brass vessels used in the Lord's house, they took away....
Queen (59 Occurrences)
... of chessmen. 6. (n.) A playing card bearing the picture of a queen; as,
the queen ofspades. 7. (n.) A male homosexual, esp. one...
Resources
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