Topical Bible: Mills: Stones Used in Often Thrown Down on Enemies During Sieges

◄ Mills: Stones Used in Often Thrown Down on Enemies During Sieges ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, mills were essential tools for daily life, primarily used for grinding grain into flour. These mills typically consisted of two stones: a larger, stationary lower stone and a smaller, movable upper stone. The upper stone was rotated or moved back and forth to crush the grain against the lower stone. This process was labor-intensive and often performed by women or servants within a household.

The Bible provides several references to mills and millstones, highlighting their significance in ancient society. For instance, in Exodus 11:5, the millstone is mentioned in the context of the Egyptian plagues: "And 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 mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well."

Beyond their domestic use, millstones also found a place in warfare, particularly during sieges. The heavy and durable nature of millstones made them effective projectiles when thrown down upon enemies attempting to breach city walls. This tactic is vividly illustrated in the account of Abimelech in Judges 9:53: "But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull." This incident underscores the strategic use of millstones as defensive weapons, capable of inflicting significant damage on besieging forces.

The use of millstones in warfare is further emphasized in 2 Samuel 11:21, where Joab reminds David of the incident with Abimelech: "Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez?" This rhetorical question serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of even the mightiest warriors to such unexpected and unconventional attacks.

The symbolic weight of millstones is also evident in the New Testament. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus uses the imagery of a millstone to convey the severity of leading others into sin: "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." This metaphor highlights the grave consequences of sin and the responsibility to protect the innocent.

In Revelation 18:21, the fall of Babylon is depicted with the imagery of a millstone: "Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: 'With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be seen again.'" Here, the millstone symbolizes the finality and totality of Babylon's destruction, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.

Throughout Scripture, millstones serve as powerful symbols of both daily sustenance and divine retribution. Their dual role in domestic life and warfare reflects the multifaceted nature of these simple yet formidable tools.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 9:53
And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone on Abimelech's head, and all to broke his skull.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 11:21
Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went you near the wall? then say you, Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook