A coulter is an agricultural implement used in ancient times, primarily for cutting through the soil ahead of a plowshare. This tool is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Israelites and their interactions with neighboring peoples. The coulter's significance in biblical times extends beyond its agricultural utility, reflecting the socio-economic and military conditions of the era.

Biblical References:

The term "coulter" appears in the context of the Israelites' subjugation under the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 13:20-21 , it is noted: "So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his sickle. The charge was a pim for the plowshares and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the forks and axes and for repointing the goads." Although the word "coulter" is not explicitly mentioned in this passage, the context implies the use of such tools in agricultural practices.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the time of King Saul, the Philistines maintained a strategic advantage over the Israelites by controlling the production and sharpening of iron tools. This control extended to essential farming implements, including coulters, which were necessary for effective agriculture. The Israelites' dependence on the Philistines for sharpening their tools underscores the socio-political dynamics of the period, where the Philistines sought to limit the Israelites' ability to arm themselves and maintain self-sufficiency.

Symbolic and Theological Implications:

The mention of agricultural tools like coulters in the Bible often carries deeper symbolic meanings. In the prophetic literature, the transformation of weapons into farming tools symbolizes a future era of peace and divine restoration. For instance, in Isaiah 2:4 , it is prophesied: "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." Although coulters are not specifically mentioned, the imagery of converting instruments of war into tools for cultivation reflects God's ultimate plan for peace and prosperity.

Practical Applications:

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, coulters were indispensable for preparing the land for sowing. The effectiveness of a coulter in cutting through the soil directly impacted the success of planting and harvesting, which were vital for the sustenance and economic stability of the community. The reliance on such tools highlights the importance of agriculture in biblical times and the dependence on divine provision for fruitful harvests.

Conclusion:

The coulter, while a seemingly mundane agricultural tool, holds a place of significance in the biblical narrative. Its mention, directly or indirectly, in the Scriptures provides insight into the daily lives of the Israelites, their struggles under foreign domination, and the broader theological themes of peace and divine providence.

Salted with Fire
... is a rough one, judging from the point of view of flesh and sense; but though rough,
narrow, often studded with sharp edges, like the plough coulters that they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/salted with fire.htm

Coulters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Coulters (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 Yet they
had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and ...
/c/coulters.htm - 6k

Filing (1 Occurrence)
... Filing (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and
for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. ...
/f/filing.htm - 6k

Three-pronged (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 and there hath been the file for mattocks, and for coulters, and
for three-pronged rakes, and for the axes, and to set up the goads. (YLT). ...
/t/three-pronged.htm - 7k

Rakes (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 and there hath been the file for mattocks, and for coulters, and
for three-pronged rakes, and for the axes, and to set up the goads. (YLT). ...
/r/rakes.htm - 6k

Pim (1 Occurrence)
... Pim (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for
the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. ...
/p/pim.htm - 6k

Coulter (1 Occurrence)

/c/coulter.htm - 7k

Sharpen (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for
the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. (KJV WBS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sharpen.htm - 9k

Council (51 Occurrences)

/c/council.htm - 24k

Teeth (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for
the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads. (See JPS). ...
/t/teeth.htm - 25k

Setting (82 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:21 And the price of the filing was a pim for the mattocks, and for the
coulters, and for the forks with three teeth, and for the axes; and to set ...
/s/setting.htm - 32k

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