Topical Encyclopedia A mill in biblical times was an essential tool for daily life, primarily used for grinding grain into flour. The process of milling was labor-intensive and often carried out by women or servants. Mills were typically operated by hand, using two stones: the upper stone (the "millstone") and the lower stone. The grain was placed between these stones and ground into flour as the upper stone was rotated.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, mills and millstones are frequently mentioned, highlighting their importance in ancient society. Exodus 11:5 refers to the mill as a symbol of daily life and sustenance: "and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the millstones, and every firstborn of the livestock as well." Deuteronomy 24:6 underscores the significance of millstones by prohibiting their seizure as collateral: "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 law reflects the essential role of mills in providing food and sustaining life. Judges 16:21 recounts the account of Samson, who, after being captured by the Philistines, was forced to grind grain in prison: "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison." This passage illustrates the use of mills as a means of subjugation and humiliation. New Testament References In the New Testament, mills are mentioned in the context of judgment and the consequences of sin. Matthew 18:6 uses the imagery of a millstone to convey the severity of leading others into sin: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Revelation 18:21 employs the imagery of a millstone to symbolize the finality of Babylon's fall: "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 cast down, never to be seen again.'" Cultural and Symbolic Significance The mill and millstone hold cultural and symbolic significance throughout the Bible. They represent sustenance, daily labor, and the provision of God. The prohibition against taking millstones as collateral in Deuteronomy highlights the importance of preserving a person's means of livelihood. In the New Testament, the millstone becomes a powerful symbol of judgment and the weight of sin. Mills also serve as a reminder of the humble and laborious tasks that sustain life, reflecting the biblical theme of work and provision. The imagery of the millstone in the teachings of Jesus and the visions of Revelation underscores the gravity of sin and the ultimate justice of God. In summary, the mill in biblical scripture is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the essential nature of daily sustenance and the profound spiritual truths of judgment and redemption. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 25:10Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. Nave's Topical Index Library The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Preface. To the Rev. J. Jowett The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the ... Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ... The Epistle to the Hebrews. The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ... The Strait Gate; Aims of the Papacy. Resources Who was Amy Carmichael? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org What was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.org Mill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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