Definition and Description:
A plow is an agricultural implement used for cutting, lifting, turning over, and partly pulverizing soil. In biblical times, plows were essential tools for preparing the ground for sowing seeds. The basic design consisted of a wooden frame with a metal or wooden blade, drawn by oxen or other draft animals. The plow was a symbol of agricultural life and sustenance, representing the hard work and diligence required to cultivate the land.

Biblical References:
Plows are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing peace, productivity, and the transformation of tools of war into instruments of agriculture. In Isaiah 2:4 , the prophet envisions a future where nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," signifying a time of peace and prosperity. This imagery is echoed in Micah 4:3 , reinforcing the hope for a world where conflict is replaced by cultivation and growth.

In 1 Samuel 13:20-21 , the Israelites are described as going down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles, highlighting the dependence on neighboring peoples for essential agricultural tools. This passage underscores the importance of plows in daily life and the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their agricultural practices.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
The plow is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. In Luke 9:62 , Jesus states, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This teaching emphasizes the commitment and focus required to follow Christ, likening the Christian journey to the steady and forward-moving task of plowing a field.

In the Old Testament, the plow also serves as a symbol of judgment and renewal. Jeremiah 4:3 calls the people to "break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns," urging them to prepare their hearts for repentance and spiritual renewal. This metaphor highlights the need for spiritual readiness and the removal of obstacles that hinder growth.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the plow was a vital tool for survival. The design and materials of plows varied depending on the region and available resources. Typically, a plow would be pulled by a pair of oxen, as seen in the account of Elisha's call to ministry in 1 Kings 19:19-21 , where he is found plowing with twelve yoke of oxen.

The transition from wooden to metal plowshares marked a significant advancement in agricultural technology, allowing for more efficient cultivation of the land. This development is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the sharpening and maintenance of plowshares are noted as important tasks.

Conclusion:
The plow, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just an agricultural tool; it is a powerful symbol of labor, transformation, and spiritual readiness. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the diligence required in both physical and spiritual endeavors, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and focused in their walk with God.6398. palach -- to cleave
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to cleave NASB Word Usage bring forth (1),
pierces through (1), plows (1), sliced (1), splits my open (1). ...
/hebrew/6398.htm - 6k

The Three Elements of a Complete Life
... It was the hammer and the plane. He was making chairs and tables and plows and yokes.
That is to say, the highest conceivable life is in doing work. ...
/.../vii the three elements of.htm

The Story of Noah and the Ark
... All the people in the time of Enoch were not shepherds. Some of them had
learned how to make rude bows and arrows and axes and plows. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm

Living up in the Spirit Realm.
... But I'ma fisherman. When it comes to yokes and plows I'll gladly yield to you.
But fishing"you see, I've been fishing ever since I was a boy. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/living up in the spirit.htm

The Boy of Nazareth.
... Here, perhaps, the Holy Child played with the curled shavings that fell from the
bench, and watched the making of the plows, the yokes, the doors, and the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iv the boy of.htm

The Young Carpenter.
... houses of Nazareth, but they were finished with wood, and wood was used not only
for boats, tables, benches, yokes and carts, but also for plows, saddles, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v the young carpenter.htm

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
... dead, and, if so, Jesus would be the head of the house, and probably the 'breadwinner.'
One of the fathers preserves the tradition that He 'made plows and yokes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the master rejected the servants.htm

Cadman -- a New Day for Missions
... The Almighty has placed our hand on the greatest of His plows, in whose furrow
the nations I have named are germinating religiously. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/cadman a new day.htm

The Mediator --The Interpreter
... temple. Fear plows deep, and then faith sows, and love reaps; but godly fear
must lead the way. ... heart. It plows, but it does not sow. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm

Sown among Thorns
... law. We shall never get rid of thorns with plows that scratch the surface.
Those fields grow the best corn which are best plowed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/sown among thorns.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume III. <. ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Plows (3 Occurrences)
...Plows (3 Occurrences). ... Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought
to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. ...
/p/plows.htm - 7k

Plow (11 Occurrences)
... This is partly because there is every reason to believe that the plows still used
throughout Egypt, Palestine, and Syria are counterparts of the ancient ones. ...
/p/plow.htm - 15k

Gang (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A combination of similar implements arranged so as, by acting together,
to save time or labor; a set; as, a gang of saws, or of plows. ...
/g/gang.htm - 7k

Threshes (1 Occurrence)
... Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and
he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. (WEB WEY NIV). ...
/t/threshes.htm - 6k

Partake (19 Occurrences)
... Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and
he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. (WEB KJV WBS YLT). ...
/p/partake.htm - 12k

Plowshare (1 Occurrence)

/p/plowshare.htm - 6k

Plowmen (5 Occurrences)

/p/plowmen.htm - 7k

Ploughman (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who plows, or who holds and guides a plow;
hence, a husbandman. 2. (n.) A rustic; a countryman; a field laborer. ...
/p/ploughman.htm - 7k

Breaks (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 141:7 "As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol." (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/b/breaks.htm - 16k

Clods (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Isaiah 28:24 Does he who plows to sow plow continually? Does he keep
turning the soil and breaking the clods? (WEB KJV DBY WBS). ...
/c/clods.htm - 8k

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