The term "helve" refers to the handle of an axe or similar tool. In the context of the Bible, the helve is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. The passage provides insight into the legal and societal norms of ancient Israel, particularly concerning accidental death and the provision of cities of refuge.

Biblical Reference:

· Deuteronomy 19:5 : "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 iron head may slip from the handle and strike his neighbor, so that he dies. In such a case, the man may flee to one of these cities and live."

In this passage, the helve is the wooden part of the axe from which the iron head might accidentally slip. The scenario described is one of accidental manslaughter, where the death of a neighbor occurs without malice or intent. The law provided a means of protection for the person responsible, allowing them to flee to a city of refuge to escape the avenger of blood, thus ensuring that justice was tempered with mercy.

Cultural and Legal Context:

The mention of the helve in Deuteronomy highlights the importance of community safety and the recognition of human error in the Mosaic Law. The cities of refuge were established to protect individuals who caused accidental death, preventing a cycle of vengeance and bloodshed. This provision underscores the value placed on human life and the need for fair legal processes.

The helve, as part of the axe, also reflects the agrarian and labor-intensive lifestyle of ancient Israel. Tools like the axe were essential for daily life, used for tasks such as cutting wood for building and fuel. The potential for accidents with such tools was a real concern, necessitating legal guidelines to address unforeseen tragedies.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the passage involving the helve illustrates the balance between justice and mercy in God's law. It acknowledges human fallibility and provides a means of grace for those who unintentionally cause harm. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice being tempered with compassion, a principle that is echoed throughout Scripture.

The provision for cities of refuge can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in Christ, who offers forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin. Just as the cities provided a safe haven for those who accidentally caused death, so does Christ offer salvation and refuge for all who seek Him.

In summary, the mention of the helve in the Bible serves as a reminder of the practical and spiritual considerations within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of human life.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.

3. (n.) A forge hammer which is lifted by a cam acting on the helve between the fulcrum and the head.

4. (v. t.) To furnish with a helve, as an ax.

HELVE

helv (`ets "wood," "tree"): The handle or wooden part of an ax. "The head (margin "iron") slippeth from the helve" (margin "tree," Deuteronomy 19:5). The marginal reading suggests that "the ax is supposed to glance off the tree it is working on."

6086. ets -- tree, trees, wood
... wooden (6). carpenter, gallows, helve, pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick,.
From atsah; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural ...
/hebrew/6086.htm - 6k

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and ...
... man go in simplicity of heart with his friend into the wood to hew wood, and the
wood of the axe fly from his hand, and the iron slip from the helve and smite ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what the rulers.htm

There's More of God Since Jesus Went Back.
... each deep line of toil. Show the soil Of the pitch; and the strength Grip
of helve gives at length. "When night comes, and I turn ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/theres more of god since.htm

Helve (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) A forge hammer which is lifted by a cam acting on the helve between the
fulcrum and the head. 4. (vt) To furnish with a helve, as an ax. Int. ...HELVE. ...
/h/helve.htm - 7k

Helps (16 Occurrences)

/h/helps.htm - 12k

Hem (14 Occurrences)

/h/hem.htm - 12k

Lighteth (6 Occurrences)
... the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the
axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth ...
/l/lighteth.htm - 8k

Fetcheth (1 Occurrence)
... the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the
axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth ...
/f/fetcheth.htm - 6k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... timber, etc. It is wielded by a wooden helve or handle, so fixed in a socket
or eye as to be in the same plane with the blade. The ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Shaft (13 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The part of a candlestick which supports its branches. 8. (n.) The handle
or helve of certain tools, instruments, etc., as a hammer, a whip, etc. ...
/s/shaft.htm - 13k

Helm (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) One at the place of direction or control; a steersman; hence, a guide; a
director. 5. (n.) A helve. 6. (vt) To steer; to guide; to direct. ...
/h/helm.htm - 7k

Hew (17 Occurrences)
... the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the
axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth ...
/h/hew.htm - 12k

Falleth (119 Occurrences)
... into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand maketh a stroke with the
ax to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and falleth ...
/f/falleth.htm - 37k

Helve: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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