The term "press-vat" refers to a large container or receptacle used in the process of extracting juice from grapes or olives, typically as part of wine or oil production. In biblical times, the press-vat was an essential component of agricultural and domestic life, particularly in the regions of Israel and surrounding areas where vineyards and olive groves were abundant.

Biblical References:

The press-vat is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing abundance, blessing, or judgment. In the context of wine production, the press-vat is part of the winepress, where grapes are trodden to release their juice. This imagery is used both literally and metaphorically in Scripture.

1. Proverbs 3:9-10 : "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." Here, the overflowing vats symbolize the blessings and prosperity that come from honoring God with one's resources.

2. Joel 2:24 : "The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil." This verse speaks of a time of restoration and abundance promised to the people of Israel, where the press-vats are filled to capacity, indicating divine favor and provision.

3. Isaiah 63:2-3 : "Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? 'I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.'" In this passage, the imagery of the winepress and press-vat is used to depict God's judgment upon the nations, with the treading of grapes symbolizing the execution of divine wrath.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the process of making wine and oil was a communal activity, often involving entire families or communities. The press-vat was typically hewn out of rock or constructed from wood or clay, designed to collect the juice as it flowed from the winepress. The production of wine and oil was not only a vital part of the economy but also held religious significance, as these products were used in offerings and rituals.

The press-vat's role in the agricultural cycle made it a powerful symbol in biblical literature. It represented both the fruitfulness of the land and the labor required to bring forth that fruitfulness. The imagery of overflowing vats was a common metaphor for divine blessing, while empty or broken vats could signify judgment or desolation.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the press-vat serves as a reminder of God's provision and the blessings that come from faithful stewardship and obedience. It also underscores the themes of judgment and redemption, as seen in prophetic literature where the winepress becomes a symbol of God's righteous judgment against sin.

In the New Testament, the imagery of the winepress is echoed in the Book of Revelation, where it is associated with the final judgment (Revelation 14:19-20). This continuity of imagery from the Old to the New Testament highlights the enduring significance of the press-vat as a symbol of both divine blessing and judgment.Press-vat (1 Occurrence)

Haggai 2:16
Since those days were, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the press-vat to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
(WBS)

Press-vat (1 Occurrence)
Press-vat. Pressured, Press-vat. Presume . Multi-Version Concordance
Press-vat (1 Occurrence). Haggai 2:16 Since those ...
/p/press-vat.htm - 6k

Presume (10 Occurrences)

/p/presume.htm - 11k

Pressured (1 Occurrence)

/p/pressured.htm - 6k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... Or the pressvat might be built up out of any material (wood was much used in Egypt),
and from it the juice could be conducted into a sunken receptacle or into ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

Wine (282 Occurrences)
... Or the pressvat might be built up out of any material (wood was much used in Egypt),
and from it the juice could be conducted into a sunken receptacle or into ...
/w/wine.htm - 68k

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