In biblical times, tools and implements were essential for daily life, including those used for construction, agriculture, and warfare. The hatchet, a small axe with a short handle, is a tool that, while not explicitly mentioned by name in the Bible, can be inferred from the broader category of axes and cutting tools used during the period.

Historical Context

The ancient Near East, including the regions of Israel and surrounding nations, relied heavily on tools like the hatchet for various tasks. These tools were typically made from iron or bronze, materials that were prevalent during the Iron Age and Bronze Age, respectively. The development and use of metal tools marked significant advancements in technology and efficiency for ancient societies.

Biblical References

While the specific term "hatchet" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of similar tools is present. For example, in 2 Kings 6:5, we find a reference to an "axe" in the account of the prophet Elisha: "As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. 'Oh, my master,' he cried out, 'it was borrowed!'" . This passage highlights the importance and value of such tools, as well as the reliance on them for everyday tasks.

In Deuteronomy 19:5, the law provides an example of accidental death involving an axe: "For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his axe to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities to save his life" . This scenario underscores the potential dangers associated with the use of cutting tools and the need for careful handling.

Symbolic Use

Axes and similar tools, including the hatchet, also carry symbolic meanings in the Bible. In Jeremiah 51:20, God refers to Israel as His "battle-axe" or "weapon of war," indicating strength and the ability to bring about His purposes: "You are My war club, My weapon for battle—with you I shatter nations; with you I destroy kingdoms" . This metaphor illustrates the power and effectiveness of tools in the hands of the divine.

Cultural Significance

In ancient Israelite culture, tools like the hatchet were not only practical but also held cultural significance. They were often associated with craftsmanship and the ability to shape and transform the environment. The skillful use of such tools was a mark of a capable and industrious individual, reflecting the biblical value placed on hard work and stewardship of the earth.

Conclusion

While the hatchet itself is not directly mentioned in the biblical text, its presence is felt through the broader category of axes and cutting tools. These implements were vital for the daily life and survival of ancient peoples, serving as instruments of both creation and destruction. The biblical narrative acknowledges their importance and provides insight into their symbolic and practical roles within the context of God's unfolding plan for His people.1. (n.) A small ax with a short handle, to be used with one hand.

2. (n.) Specifically, a tomahawk.

HATCHET

hach'-et (kashshil): Psalm 74:6 the Revised Version (British and American), "hatchet," the King James Version "axes."

See AX.

3781. kashshil -- an axe
... 3780, 3781. kashshil. 3782 . an axe. Transliteration: kashshil Phonetic
Spelling: (kash-sheel') Short Definition: hatchet. Word ...
/hebrew/3781.htm - 6k

But this was Already Being Laid up in his Memory to be a Medicine ...
... up and down by himself before the judgment-seat, with his note-book and pen, lo,
a young man, a lawyer, the real thief, privily bringing a hatchet, got in ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix but this was.htm

Innocent Alypius, Being Apprehended as a Thief, is Set at Liberty ...
... up and down alone before the judgment-seat with his tablets and pen, lo, a young
man, one of the scholars, the real thief, privily bringing a hatchet, got in ...
/.../chapter ix innocent alypius being apprehended.htm

Concerning the Special Offices of the Gods.
... in order to signify the presence of these protectors, three men go round the house
during the night, and first strike the threshold with a hatchet, next with a ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 concerning the special offices.htm

Book Six Turmoil in the Twenties. ...
... the judgment seat with his tablets and pen, lo, a young man"another one of the scholars,
who was the real thief"secretly brought a hatchet and, without ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book six turmoil in the.htm

Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ...
... but he is prescribed the same method of living which they use for a year, while
he continues excluded'; and they give him also a small hatchet, and the fore ...
/.../chapter 8 archelauss ethnarchy is.htm

Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. )
... worthy of compassion. [2635]. VIII. The man who in a rage has taken up a
hatchet against his own wife is a murderer. But it is what ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxxxviii canonica prima.htm

Further Refutation of the Pythagorean Theory. The State of ...
... wars, and earthquakes have to be regarded as a remedy for nations, as the means
of pruning the luxuriance of the human race; and yet, when the hatchet has once ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xxx further refutation of the.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... I was determined however not to be discouraged, and, not having a hatchet at hand
to cut down the tree with, to attack it with my knife; and I would advise ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 2.htm

How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ...
... slothfully, but so entirely forsook the things of this world, that, quitting all
that he had, clad in a plain garment, and carrying an axe and hatchet in his ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the above-mentioned.htm

The Tenets of the Esseni Continued.
... own place of meeting. And they give (to the probationists) a hatchet and
the linen girdle, and a white robe. When, at the expiration ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xviii the tenets of the.htm

Tools (3 Occurrences)
... and is without doubt a chisel. But the hatchet of Psalm 74:6 may be a knife.
See HATCHET; KNIFE. For ax, again, various words are ...
/t/tools.htm - 14k

Hatchet (1 Occurrence)
...HATCHET. hach'-et (kashshil): Psalm 74:6 the Revised Version (British and American),
"hatchet," the King James Version "axes." See AX. ...Hatchet (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hatchet.htm - 7k

Paneling (3 Occurrences)
... boards of fir. (See NIV). Psalms 74:6 Now they break all its carved work
down with hatchet and hammers. (See NIV). Jeremiah 22:14 ...
/p/paneling.htm - 7k

Carvings (6 Occurrences)
... their borders, square, not round. (YLT RSV). Psalms 74:6 And now, its carvings
together With axe and hatchet they break down, (YLT). ...
/c/carvings.htm - 8k

Smash (8 Occurrences)
... that place. (See NAS NIV). Psalms 74:6 Now they break all its carved work
down with hatchet and hammers. (See NAS NIV). Jeremiah 15 ...
/s/smash.htm - 8k

Carved (36 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. (See NAS). Psalms 74:6 Now they break all its carved work down with
hatchet and hammers. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/carved.htm - 17k

Hammers (3 Occurrences)
... Hammers (3 Occurrences). Psalms 74:6 Now they break all its carved work down with
hatchet and hammers. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/h/hammers.htm - 7k

Helve (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The handle of an ax, hatchet, or adze. 2. (n.)
The lever at the end of which is the hammer head, in a forge hammer. ...
/h/helve.htm - 7k

Hatcheth (2 Occurrences)

/h/hatcheth.htm - 7k

Hatches (1 Occurrence)

/h/hatches.htm - 6k

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