Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of women in daily life was integral to the sustenance and functioning of the household. One of the tasks frequently associated with women was the grinding of corn, a vital process in the preparation of food. This task is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in ancient society.The act of grinding corn was typically performed using a hand mill or a pair of millstones. The lower stone was stationary, while the upper stone was rotated by hand. This labor-intensive process was essential for producing flour, which was a staple in the diet of the Israelites. In Exodus 11:5, the Bible references the widespread nature of this task, indicating that women from all social strata were involved in grinding corn: "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 who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle." This verse underscores the universality of the task, as even servant girls were engaged in grinding. The book of Isaiah also alludes to the grinding of corn in a context of judgment and humiliation. Isaiah 47:2 states, "Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil, strip off your skirt, uncover your legs, wade through the streams." Here, the act of grinding is used metaphorically to depict the humbling of Babylon, suggesting that the task was considered menial and associated with servitude. In the New Testament, the grinding of corn is mentioned in a prophetic context. Matthew 24:41 describes the suddenness of the coming of the Son of Man: "Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left." This passage illustrates the normalcy and routine nature of the task, as it was a common daily activity for women. The role of women in grinding corn is further highlighted in the context of community and family life. The process of grinding was not only a physical task but also a social one, often performed in groups, allowing for interaction and the strengthening of communal bonds. The depiction of women engaged in grinding corn throughout the Bible reflects the broader theme of women's contributions to the household and society. Their labor was essential for the provision of daily bread, symbolizing sustenance and life. The biblical references to this task serve as a testament to the industriousness and resilience of women in ancient times, whose efforts were foundational to the well-being of their families and communities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 24:41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 17:35 Library The Nile and Egypt Chaldaean Civilization Daily Bread The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Political Constitution of Egypt The Pilgrim's Progress The Barren Fig-Tree; St. Gregory the Great. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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