The mattock is an ancient agricultural tool mentioned in the Bible, primarily used for digging and tilling the soil. It is similar to a pickaxe and was an essential implement for farmers in biblical times. The use of the mattock is referenced in several passages, highlighting its importance in both agricultural and metaphorical contexts.

1. Agricultural Use:

The mattock is first mentioned in the context of agriculture, where it was used to prepare the ground for planting. In Isaiah 7:25, the prophet speaks of a time when the land will be overgrown with briers and thorns, indicating that it will no longer be cultivated with tools like the mattock: "As for all the hills once cultivated with the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run."

2. Symbol of Judgment and Restoration:

The mattock is also used metaphorically in the Bible to symbolize judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 10:15, the prophet uses the imagery of a tool to illustrate the relationship between God and the nations He uses to accomplish His purposes: "Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it, or a saw boast over him who saws? As if a rod could wield those who lift it, or a staff could lift him who is not wood!"

3. Preparation for Battle:

In 1 Samuel 13:20-21, the Israelites are described as going down to the Philistines to sharpen their agricultural tools, including mattocks, because they lacked blacksmiths: "So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle. The charge was a pim for the plowshares and mattocks, the forks and axes, and to fix the goads." This passage highlights the dependence of the Israelites on their enemies for maintaining their tools, which also had implications for their readiness for battle.

4. Symbol of Hard Labor:

The mattock is also a symbol of the hard labor required to cultivate the land. In the context of the curse upon Adam, Genesis 3:17-19 implies the toil and effort that would be necessary to work the ground: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

The mattock, therefore, serves as a reminder of the labor and effort required in both physical and spiritual cultivation. It is a tool that signifies preparation, judgment, and the hard work necessary to bring forth fruit from the earth.1 Samuel 13:20,21
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 7:25
And on all hills that shall be dig with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xlix
... to be reckless" but used in the Scriptures in the ... would be a digging tool, ie, a
"mattock" (KW, Karste ... In this passage, then, the general meaning might be found ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of long and earnest study of the holy scriptures. ... to the church what she should believe
concerning this matter ... Isaiah 6:8). To these general expressions might ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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