The term "threshest" is an archaic form of the verb "thresh," which refers to the process of separating grain from the husks and straw. This agricultural practice is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing judgment, purification, and the separation of good from evil. The imagery of threshing is rich with spiritual significance and is used in various contexts throughout Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Agricultural Practice: Threshing was a common agricultural activity in ancient Israel. It involved beating or crushing harvested grain to separate the edible part from the chaff. This process was typically done on a threshing floor, a flat surface where oxen or other animals would tread on the grain, or where it would be beaten with flails.

2. Symbol of Judgment: Threshing is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe God's judgment. Just as the grain is separated from the chaff, so God will separate the righteous from the wicked. In Isaiah 41:15-16 , God promises to make Israel a "threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth," to thresh the mountains and reduce them to chaff, symbolizing the triumph of God's people over their enemies.

3. Purification and Refinement: The process of threshing also symbolizes purification. In the spiritual sense, it represents the trials and tribulations that believers undergo to be refined and purified. In Matthew 3:12 , John the Baptist speaks of Jesus, saying, "His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." This passage highlights the purifying work of Christ, who gathers the faithful and purges the unrepentant.

4. Harvest and Provision: Threshing is associated with the harvest, a time of gathering and provision. In Ruth 3:2 , Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is winnowing barley. This setting becomes the backdrop for God's provision and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

5. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets frequently use threshing imagery to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Micah 4:12-13 , the nations are gathered as sheaves to the threshing floor, and Israel is called to "rise and thresh," signifying the ultimate victory and restoration of God's people.

Theological Implications

Threshing, as depicted in the Bible, carries deep theological implications. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in judgment and His commitment to purifying His people. The imagery underscores the reality of divine justice and the hope of redemption. Believers are encouraged to endure the "threshing" of life's trials, trusting in God's purpose to refine and sanctify them for His glory.

In summary, the concept of "threshest" in the Bible is a powerful metaphor for judgment, purification, and divine provision. It reflects the agricultural practices of ancient times while conveying profound spiritual truths that resonate with the themes of justice, redemption, and hope found throughout Scripture.

John Chapter vi. 60-72
... present Christ's body is as it were mixed on the threshing-floor: "But the Lord
knoweth them that are His." [544] If thou knowest what thou threshest, that the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvii john chapter vi.htm

Threshest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Threshest (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 41:15 Lo, I have
set thee for a new sharp threshing instrument, Possessing ...
/t/threshest.htm - 6k

Threshhold (12 Occurrences)

/t/threshhold.htm - 10k

Threshes (1 Occurrence)

/t/threshes.htm - 6k

Possessing (18 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:15 Lo, I have set thee for a new sharp threshing instrument, Possessing
teeth, thou threshest mountains, And beatest small, and hills as chaff thou ...
/p/possessing.htm - 12k

Beatest (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:15 Lo, I have set thee for a new sharp threshing instrument, Possessing
teeth, thou threshest mountains, And beatest small, and hills as chaff thou ...
/b/beatest.htm - 7k

Makest (68 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:15 Lo, I have set thee for a new sharp threshing instrument, Possessing
teeth, thou threshest mountains, And beatest small, and hills as chaff thou ...
/m/makest.htm - 25k

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