Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the earthen pitcher was a common household item, crafted from clay and used for a variety of purposes, including the storage and transport of water, wine, and other liquids. The earthen pitcher is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing fragility and the humble nature of human life.Old Testament References One of the most notable references to earthen pitchers is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7:16-20, Gideon uses earthen pitchers as part of a strategic plan to defeat the Midianites. The passage describes how Gideon divided his 300 men into three companies, giving each man a trumpet and an empty pitcher with a torch inside. At Gideon's signal, the men broke the pitchers, revealing the torches and creating a sudden burst of light and noise that confused and terrified the Midianite army. This account highlights the use of earthen pitchers as instruments of divine intervention and victory. Symbolism and Imagery The earthen pitcher is often used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate the frailty and impermanence of human life. In Jeremiah 19:1-11, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to purchase a potter's earthenware jar and take it to the Valley of Ben Hinnom. There, he is to break the jar as a symbol of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and its people. The breaking of the jar signifies the shattering of the nation due to their disobedience and idolatry. Similarly, in Lamentations 4:2, the children of Zion are compared to "earthen pitchers" as a metaphor for their vulnerability and the devastation they face: "The precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, how they are now regarded as clay jars, the work of a potter’s hands!" New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of earthen vessels to convey the concept of human weakness contrasted with divine power. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." Here, the "jars of clay" represent human bodies, which, though fragile and imperfect, are chosen by God to carry the treasure of the Gospel. This imagery emphasizes the idea that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, and it serves as a reminder of the humility and dependence on God that believers are called to embody. Cultural and Historical Context Earthen pitchers were an essential part of daily life in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They were typically made by potters who shaped the clay on a wheel and then fired it in a kiln to harden it. These vessels varied in size and shape, depending on their intended use, and were often unglazed, giving them a porous quality that helped keep liquids cool. The process of making and using earthen pitchers also serves as a rich metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity. Just as a potter shapes clay into a vessel, so God shapes and molds individuals according to His purpose. This imagery is poignantly captured in Isaiah 64:8, where the prophet declares, "Yet You, O LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand." In summary, the earthen pitcher in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of human frailty, divine power, and the transformative work of God in the lives of His people. Through its various uses and representations, the earthen pitcher provides insight into the spiritual truths and cultural practices of the biblical world. Nave's Topical Index Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! Nave's Topical Index Greek 2765. keramion -- an earthen vessel ... vessel. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: keramion Phonetic Spelling: (ker-am'-ee-on) Short Definition: a pitcher, earthen vessel Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2765.htm - 6k Library Epilogue Thy Redeemer Of the Times Most Suitable for Baptism. The Hope of Future Bliss Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known To-Morrow To-Morrow The Poor Rich and the Rich Poor Jesus Before Pilate. Guidance in the Way Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgPitcher: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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