In biblical times, handles were practical components of various tools, weapons, and household items, serving as essential parts for functionality and ease of use. While the Bible does not frequently mention handles explicitly, their presence is implied in the descriptions of objects and tools used throughout Scripture.

Implements and Tools:

Handles were integral to the construction of tools and implements used in daily life and labor. For example, the axe, a common tool mentioned in the Bible, would have required a sturdy handle for effective use. In Deuteronomy 19:5, the text describes a situation where "a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down the tree, but the iron head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies." This passage highlights the importance of a secure handle in preventing accidents and ensuring the tool's effectiveness.

Weapons:

Handles were also crucial in the design of weapons. Swords, spears, and other armaments mentioned in the Bible would have been equipped with handles to provide grip and control during battle. In Judges 3:21-22, we read about Ehud, who "reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon's belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon's fat closed over it." This vivid description underscores the role of the handle in the weapon's use and the dramatic outcome of the encounter.

Symbolic Uses:

While handles are primarily functional, they can also carry symbolic meaning. The concept of a handle can be metaphorically extended to represent control or authority. In a spiritual sense, believers are encouraged to "take hold" of God's promises and truths, much like one would grasp a handle to wield a tool or weapon effectively. This metaphorical use emphasizes the importance of a firm grip on faith and doctrine.

Craftsmanship and Material:

The construction of handles in biblical times would have involved skilled craftsmanship, using materials such as wood, metal, or bone. The quality and durability of a handle were vital for the longevity and effectiveness of the tool or weapon. The Bible often highlights the value of skilled labor and craftsmanship, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, where artisans were employed to create objects of beauty and utility.

Cultural Context:

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the design and use of handles would have varied based on the available materials and the specific needs of the community. Handles were not only practical but also reflected the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people. The Bible, while not explicitly focused on the minutiae of everyday objects, provides glimpses into the daily lives and practices of its characters, offering insight into the tools and implements they used.

In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention handles directly, their presence is implied in the descriptions of tools, weapons, and objects used throughout Scripture. Handles were essential for the functionality and effectiveness of these items, reflecting the practical and symbolic significance of a firm grip and control in both physical and spiritual contexts.3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ...
... sole (of the foot), a pan NASB Word Usage branches (1), earnings* (1), footstep*
(1), give pledges* (1), grasp (2), hand (46), handful* (1), handles (1), hands ...
/hebrew/3709.htm - 6k

The Design and Unity of Luke's History
... effect. We feel that in this work we have to deal with an author who handles
his materials freely and with perfect mastery. The ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 2 the design and.htm

The Spirit Switchboard.
... passengers. Again he goes in, and moves the little handles and sets in motion
the wheels in some factory employing hundreds of operatives. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the spirit switchboard.htm

The First Order of Production Maintained by the Heretics is ...
... he thinks of it, he has also knowledge regarding it; and when he knows it, he also
considers it; and when he considers it, he also mentally handles it; and ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii the first order of.htm

Now this Masculine Love of an Open and Level Camaraderie is the ...
... More wheels do mean fewer handles; fewer handles do mean fewer hands. The
machinery of science must be individualistic and isolated. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 14 now this masculine.htm

On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church on the Babylonish ...
... He marks it with capital letters in this way, "AN INFALLIBLE FOUNDATION." Next he
handles with incredible wisdom the sixth chapter of the Gospel of St. ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/iii on the babylonish captivity.htm

2 Cor. x. 1, 2
... And wherefore,' saith one, were they so spoken as to give handles to those that
wished for them?' He did not give handles, but their frenzy used his words not ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 2 cor x.htm

First Sunday after Epiphany
... mortification of evil lusts. He handles the subject here in a manner wholly
unlike his method in other epistles. In Galatians he ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm

The Fifth Clause.
... for believers; for "all other things the nations seek after." [8802] The like lesson
He both inculcates by examples, and repeatedly handles in parables, when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter vi the fifth clause.htm

Given to Abstraction of Thought. Cases in Point. Opinion of ...
... the same disease. From morning till night, between the plow-handles or swinging
the maul, I was absorbed in reflection. My reading ...
/.../chapter v given to abstraction.htm

Alexander.
... Sun; and next, the king's favourite soldiers, called the Immortal Band, whose robes
were white, their breastplates set with jewels, and the handles of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xv alexander.htm

Ax (12 Occurrences)
... to the handle by passing the latter through a hole in the ax-head, whereas the Egyptian
sculptures show that their ax-heads were held to the handles by means ...
/a/ax.htm - 14k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... to the handle by passing the latter through a hole in the ax-head, whereas the Egyptian
sculptures show that their ax-heads were held to the handles by means ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Axhead (1 Occurrence)
... to the handle by passing the latter through a hole in the ax-head, whereas the Egyptian
sculptures show that their ax-heads were held to the handles by means ...
/a/axhead.htm - 10k

Ax-head
... to the handle by passing the latter through a hole in the ax-head, whereas the Egyptian
sculptures show that their ax-heads were held to the handles by means ...
/a/ax-head.htm - 9k

Handles (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Handles (10 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 2:15 Give
diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman ...
/h/handles.htm - 9k

Handle (19 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy
and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock. ...
/h/handle.htm - 14k

Ziph (9 Occurrences)
... In connection with this last (compare 4:23) it is noticeable that Ziph is one of
the four names occurring on the Hebrew stamped jar handles with the added la ...
/z/ziph.htm - 11k

Oppressing (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him who handles the sickle in
the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn everyone ...
/o/oppressing.htm - 10k

Ladle (11 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon. 5. (n.) A ring,
with a handle or handles fitted to it, for carrying shot. ...
/l/ladle.htm - 9k

Lock (6 Occurrences)
... (Root in BBE NAS). Song of Songs 5:5 I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands
dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handles of the lock. ...
/l/lock.htm - 11k

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