In biblical times, sledges were agricultural tools used primarily for threshing grain. The process of threshing involved separating the edible part of the grain from the chaff, and sledges played a crucial role in this task. The sledge, often referred to as a "threshing sledge," was a heavy wooden implement fitted with sharp stones or metal underneath. It was dragged over harvested grain spread on a threshing floor, effectively cutting and crushing the stalks to release the grain.

Biblical References:

The use of sledges is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting their importance in ancient agricultural practices. In Isaiah 41:15, the prophet speaks of a new, sharp threshing sledge with double edges, symbolizing strength and effectiveness: "Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff" . This imagery underscores the power and efficiency of the sledge in accomplishing its purpose.

In Amos 1:3, the prophet condemns the transgressions of Damascus, stating, "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron" . Here, the sledge is used metaphorically to describe the harsh and brutal treatment inflicted upon the people of Gilead, illustrating the destructive potential of the tool when used for purposes other than agriculture.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Threshing sledges were a common sight in the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East. They were typically constructed from planks of wood, with sharp stones or metal blades embedded in the bottom. The sledge would be pulled by oxen or other draft animals across the threshing floor, a flat, hard surface where the grain was spread out. The weight and motion of the sledge would separate the grain from the husks, making it easier to winnow and collect.

The design and use of threshing sledges varied across different regions and periods, but their fundamental purpose remained the same. They were essential tools for farmers, enabling them to process large quantities of grain efficiently. The imagery of the threshing sledge in biblical texts often conveys themes of judgment, power, and transformation, reflecting the tool's significance in both practical and symbolic terms.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In the Bible, the sledge is often used as a metaphor for divine judgment and the refining process. The act of threshing, which involves separating the valuable from the worthless, parallels the spiritual process of purification and judgment. Just as the sledge separates grain from chaff, God's judgment distinguishes between righteousness and wickedness.

The prophetic imagery of a new, sharp threshing sledge in Isaiah 41:15 symbolizes the empowerment of God's people to overcome obstacles and adversaries. It reflects the transformative power of God's intervention, enabling His people to achieve victory and renewal.

Overall, the sledge serves as a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing both the practical aspects of ancient agriculture and the deeper spiritual truths of judgment, refinement, and divine empowerment.4173. morag -- a threshing sled
morag or morag. 4172, 4173. morag or morag. 4174 . a threshing sled.
Transliteration: morag or morag Phonetic Spelling: (mo-rag') Short Definition: sledges ...
/hebrew/4173.htm - 6k

The Power that Never Fails.
... But sometimes this fails to split the rock. The iron wedges and big sledges have
no effect at all on the stubborn stone. ... The sledges are not used. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the power that never fails.htm

Discussion of Pelagius' First Answer.
... be without sin unless he has acquired a knowledge of the law." We see, for example,
that corn-floors may be threshed without threshing-sledges,"however much ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 3 discussion of pelagius first.htm

Athor, the Golden
... fragments of rough stone. The tracks of heavy sledges had crushed the young
grain across the field toward the cliffs. Kenkenes stood up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vii athor the golden.htm

Choosing the Tens
... in the avenues, vaguely outlined by the slowly rising structures on either side,
were low-riding, long, heavy, dwarf-wheeled vehicles and sledges to which men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

His Amusements and Occupations
... He made small models of his country sledges, one of which, a very creditable
performance, is in the Museum in the College Library, and a rough rustic chair ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /his amusements and occupations.htm

"In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea"
... At times when it was brightest came troops of the natives, strange-looking figures,
clad in hairy skins, and with sledges made out of hard fragments of ice ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/in the uttermost parts of.htm

The Tangled Web
... He retired to his camp and in a short time soldiers appeared with tape, stakes,
sledges and spades and laid out an immense circle, all but compassing the great ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Now and again sledges laden with ponderous burdens were drawn through the sand by
yokes of oxen, oftener by scores of men, on whom the drivers did not hesitate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... I found in the tomb of Sonnozmu two of these sledges with the superstructure
in the form of a temple. They are now in the Gizeh Museum. ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... And then all the crowd get into their sledges again and move away down the street
to the taverns and pot-houses, and louder than ever sounds the medley of ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Sledges (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sledges (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 24:22 And Araunah
said to David, Let my lord the king take and offer ...
/s/sledges.htm - 7k

Threshing-sledges (1 Occurrence)
Threshing-sledges. Threshing-sledge, Threshing-sledges. Threshing-wain .
Multi-Version Concordance Threshing-sledges (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/threshing-sledges.htm - 6k

Sledge (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A sleigh. 4. (n.) A game at cards; -- called also old sledge, and all
fours. 5. (vi & t.) To travel or convey in a sledge or sledges. ...
/s/sledge.htm - 7k

Sleek (7 Occurrences)

/s/sleek.htm - 8k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... We see the winged bulls, which are of colossal dimensions, sometimes lying on their
sledges (shaped like boats or Assyrian ships), and sometimes standing and ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Threshing-wain (1 Occurrence)
Threshing-wain. Threshing-sledges, Threshing-wain. Threshold . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV). Threshing-sledges, Threshing-wain. Threshold . ...
/t/threshing-wain.htm - 6k

Threshing-sledge (2 Occurrences)
Threshing-sledge. Threshing-place, Threshing-sledge. Threshing-sledges . ... (See
JPS). Threshing-place, Threshing-sledge. Threshing-sledges . Reference Bible
/t/threshing-sledge.htm - 7k

What is the meaning of the symbolism in Amos, e.g., sledges with iron teeth (Amos 1:3), murdered pregnant women (Amos 1:13), burning bones (Amos 2:1), destroyed roots (Amos 2:9), and hooks (Amos 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Araunah the Jebusite? | GotQuestions.org

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