Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient world, mills were essential for daily life, particularly in agrarian societies like those depicted in the Bible. The process of grinding grain into flour was a fundamental task, and mills were the primary tools used for this purpose. The antiquity of mills is well-documented in the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in the daily sustenance and economic activities of biblical times.Biblical References and Descriptions The Bible provides several references to mills, indicating their widespread use and significance. In the Old Testament, the use of millstones is mentioned in various contexts. For instance, in Exodus 11:5, the Lord speaks of the impending plague on Egypt, stating, "Every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the millstones." This passage highlights the ubiquity of mills, as even servant girls were engaged in milling activities. Deuteronomy 24:6 underscores the essential nature of millstones by prohibiting their seizure as collateral: "Do not take a pair of millstones, or even the upper one, as security for a debt, because that would be taking a man's livelihood." This law reflects the critical role mills played in sustaining life, as they were necessary for producing daily bread. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of a millstone to convey the severity of leading others into sin. In Matthew 18:6, He warns, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." The reference to a "large millstone" suggests the heavy and cumbersome nature of these tools, emphasizing the gravity of the warning. Types and Construction Mills in biblical times were typically of two types: hand mills and larger, animal-driven mills. Hand mills, often operated by women, consisted of two circular stones. The upper stone, or "rider," was rotated manually over the lower, stationary stone, grinding the grain placed between them. This labor-intensive process is alluded to in Jeremiah 25:10, where the cessation of the sound of millstones is a sign of desolation: "I will banish from them the sound of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp." Larger mills, sometimes referred to as "donkey mills," were powered by animals. These mills were more efficient and could produce greater quantities of flour. The construction of these mills involved a large, circular stone base with a vertical stone wheel that was turned by an animal harnessed to a central post. Cultural and Economic Significance Mills were not only vital for food production but also held economic significance. They were often communal resources, with villagers bringing their grain to a central location for milling. This communal aspect is reflected in the biblical narrative, where mills are frequently mentioned in the context of community life and sustenance. The presence of mills in biblical texts underscores their antiquity and the continuity of their use throughout history. From the earliest times, mills have been indispensable in transforming raw grain into flour, a staple of the human diet. The biblical portrayal of mills, with their associated laws and imagery, highlights their enduring importance in the ancient world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 11:5And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pagan Shrines and Temples. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Resources How should a Christian view climate change? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is PETA? Can a Christian support PETA? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mills used for Grinding: Manna in the Wilderness Mills: (Ceasing) of Desolation Mills: (Grinding At) of Degradation Mills: Female Servants Usually Employed At Mills: Male Captives often Employed At Mills: Stones Used in not to be Taken in Pledge Mills: Stones Used in Often Thrown Down on Enemies During Sieges Related Terms |
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