Lexical Summary machareshah: Plow, plowshare Original Word: מַחֲרֵשָׁה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mattock From charash; probably a pick-axe -- mattock. see HEBREW charash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom charash Definition a plowshare NASB Translation hoe (1), plowshare (1), plowshares (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַחֲרֵשָׁה, מַחֲרֶ֫שֶׁת] noun feminine ploughshare — singular suffix לִלְטוֺשׁ אִישׁ מַחֲרַשְׁתּוֺ 1 Samuel 8:20 to sharpen each man his ploughshare 1 Samuel 13:20 (+ אֵתוֺ, קַרְדֻּמּוֺ) + מַחֲרֵשָׁתוֺ 1 Samuel 13:20, read probably דָּרְבָּנוֺ his goad (so ᵐ5 ᵑ6 We Dr, see 1 Samuel 13:21); plural absolute מַחֲרֵשֹׁת 1 Samuel 13:21 (+ similar list; on text of both verses see Dr). Topical Lexicon Definition and Contextמַחֲרֵשָׁה (machăreshah) designates the metal cutting blade of a plow—“plowshare”—and by extension the whole plow. It occurs twice, both in the narrative describing Philistine oppression during the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 13:20–21). Agricultural Life in Israel The plowshare was the key component that opened the soil for seed. In the hill-country terraces of Israel, oxen-drawn wooden plows were common, but only a sharp iron share could break the hard ground effectively (compare Isaiah 2:4). Regular sharpening guaranteed a fruitful harvest, linking מַחֲרֵשָׁה with the daily rhythm of sowing and reaping on which family survival depended (Deuteronomy 28:12). Philistine Domination and Technological Suppression 1 Samuel 13 records a calculated strategy of the Philistines to cripple Israel militarily and economically by denying local blacksmithing: “So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his sickle.” (1 Samuel 13:20) “They paid two-thirds of a shekel for sharpening plowshares and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for pitchforks and axes and for repointing ox goads.” (1 Samuel 13:21) By controlling the iron industry, the Philistines ensured that even ordinary farm tools became scarce and expensive, leaving Israel defenseless (1 Samuel 13:22). The plowshare thus stands at the intersection of agriculture and warfare, highlighting the enemy’s attempt to turn civilian life into a weapon of subjugation. Spiritual Lessons on Dependence and Deliverance 1. The absence of swords (1 Samuel 13:19, 22) forced Israel to look beyond military hardware to the deliverance of the LORD (1 Samuel 14:6). The very need to sharpen a plowshare in enemy territory underscored human helplessness and divine sufficiency. Prophetic and Theological Echoes The plowshare reappears in prophetic visions where nations “beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4; Joel 3:10 in reverse). These texts invert the crisis of 1 Samuel 13: the people who once lacked weapons will one day need none because the Messiah’s reign will secure everlasting peace. מַחֲרֵשָׁה therefore becomes an emblem of eschatological restoration. Practical Ministry Insights • Economic oppression often begins with the control of vocational tools. Ministry that equips people with skills and resources echoes the redemptive movement from bondage to stewardship. Summary מַחֲרֵשָׁה, though mentioned only twice, opens a window onto Israel’s agrarian foundation, the struggle for technological freedom, and God’s redemptive oversight. From Saul’s embattled villages to the prophets’ vision of universal peace, the plowshare invites readers to trust the Lord of the harvest who alone can turn tools of toil and instruments of war into means of blessing. Forms and Transliterations לַמַּֽחֲרֵשֹׁת֙ למחרשת מַחֲרֵשָׁתֽוֹ׃ מחרשתו׃ lam·ma·ḥă·rê·šōṯ lammachareShot lammaḥărêšōṯ ma·ḥă·rê·šā·ṯōw machareshaTo maḥărêšāṯōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 13:20 HEB: קַרְדֻּמּ֔וֹ וְאֵ֖ת מַחֲרֵשָׁתֽוֹ׃ NAS: to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, KJV: and his axe, and his mattock. INT: his mattock his axe his plowshare 1 Samuel 13:21 2 Occurrences |
    |