Topical Encyclopedia The term "crushing-stone" in biblical literature often refers to a large stone used for grinding or crushing grain, olives, or other substances. It is a symbol of strength, judgment, and sometimes destruction. The imagery of a crushing-stone is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, illustrating both physical and metaphorical concepts.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the crushing-stone is frequently associated with the process of grinding grain. The millstone, a type of crushing-stone, was an essential tool in ancient agrarian societies. Deuteronomy 24:6 states, "Do not take a pair of millstones, or even the upper one, as security for a debt, because that would be taking a man's livelihood as security." This verse highlights the importance of the millstone in daily life, as it was crucial for preparing food. The crushing-stone also appears in narratives of judgment and destruction. In Judges 9:53, a woman drops an upper millstone on Abimelech's head, crushing his skull. This act of judgment signifies divine retribution against Abimelech's wickedness. New Testament References In the New Testament, the crushing-stone takes on a more symbolic meaning. Jesus uses the imagery of a stone in His teachings to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 21:44, Jesus says, "He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." Here, the stone represents Christ Himself, the cornerstone, and the judgment that comes upon those who reject Him. The crushing-stone is also alluded to in the book of Revelation, where it symbolizes the ultimate judgment and destruction of evil. Revelation 18:21 describes a mighty angel throwing a large stone into the sea, signifying the downfall of Babylon: "Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: 'With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be seen again.'" Symbolism and Theological Significance The crushing-stone serves as a powerful symbol of God's strength and judgment. It represents the inevitable consequences of sin and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. The imagery of the crushing-stone underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's commandments and the certainty of His righteous judgment. In a broader theological context, the crushing-stone can also be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations believers face. Just as grain is crushed to produce flour, so too are believers refined through challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Conclusion The crushing-stone, whether as a literal tool or a metaphorical symbol, plays a significant role in biblical narratives. It serves as a reminder of God's provision, justice, and the transformative power of trials in the life of a believer. Concordance Crushing-stone (1 Occurrence)Job 41:24 Thesaurus Crushing-stone (1 Occurrence)Crushing-stone. Crushing-places, Crushing-stone. Crushing-stones . Multi-Version Concordance Crushing-stone (1 Occurrence). ... /c/crushing-stone.htm - 6k Crushing-stones (1 Occurrence) Crushing-places (1 Occurrence) Resources Why is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was a sacred stone in Leviticus? | GotQuestions.org Why is Jesus called the stumbling stone in Matthew 21:43-44? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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