Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the mill was an essential tool for daily life, primarily used for grinding grain into flour. The typical mill consisted of two stones: the upper stone, known as the "runner," and the lower stone, referred to as the "bedstone." These stones were integral to the sustenance of ancient communities, as bread was a staple food.Construction and Functionality The lower stone was usually stationary and larger, providing a stable base. It was often slightly concave to hold the grain. The upper stone was smaller and movable, designed to rotate over the lower stone. This movement was typically achieved by hand, using a handle attached to the upper stone. The grain would be fed into a central hole in the upper stone, and as it turned, the grain would be ground between the two stones, emerging as flour from the edges. Biblical References The Bible makes several references to mills and millstones, highlighting their importance in daily life and their symbolic significance. In Deuteronomy 24:6 , the law prohibits taking a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge, emphasizing the essential nature of these tools: "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." The imagery of millstones is also used metaphorically in the Scriptures. In Matthew 18:6 , Jesus uses the millstone to illustrate 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." Cultural and Symbolic Significance The millstones were not only practical but also carried cultural and symbolic weight. They represented sustenance and daily provision, as well as the hard labor associated with preparing food. The sound of grinding was a familiar and comforting presence in ancient households, signifying normalcy and life. Conversely, the absence of grinding was a sign of desolation and judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 25:10 : "I will banish from them the sound of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp." Conclusion The upper and lower stones of the mill were indispensable in biblical times, serving both practical and symbolic roles. They were a daily reminder of God's provision and the labor required to sustain life. The biblical references to millstones underscore their importance and offer profound spiritual lessons, reflecting the values and beliefs of the ancient communities that relied on them. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 24:6No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he takes a man's life to pledge. Nave's Topical Index Job 41:24 Isaiah 47:2 Library The Unmerciful Servant. Hiram, the Inspired Artificer Naparima and Montserrat A Discourse of Mercifulness A Liberal Education: and Where to Find It. What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ... [Endnotes] Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Who was William Carey? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about spreading rumors? | GotQuestions.org What is the millstone award? | GotQuestions.org Mill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |