In biblical times, the role of a wood-cutter was essential for various aspects of daily life, including construction, fuel, and religious practices. The wood-cutter, often referred to in the context of laborers or servants, played a significant role in the ancient economy and society of Israel and its surrounding regions.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 9:21, 23, 27 : The Gibeonites, who deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them, were assigned the role of wood-cutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. This passage highlights the servitude aspect of wood-cutting, as the Gibeonites were subjected to this labor as a perpetual service to the Israelites. "They continued to this day to serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose."

2. 1 Kings 5:6 : King Solomon, in preparation for building the temple, requested skilled wood-cutters from King Hiram of Tyre. This indicates the importance of wood-cutting in construction and the need for skilled labor. "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that none among us can cut timber like the Sidonians."

3. Deuteronomy 29:11 : In the renewal of the covenant, Moses includes wood-cutters among those who stand before the LORD, emphasizing their inclusion in the community and covenantal relationship with God. "Your children and wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water."

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The task of wood-cutting was not merely a menial job but was integral to the functioning of society. Wood was a primary resource for building homes, crafting tools, and providing fuel for cooking and heating. In a religious context, wood was necessary for constructing altars and for the burnt offerings that were central to Israelite worship.

The assignment of the Gibeonites as wood-cutters and water carriers reflects the hierarchical social structure and the use of labor as a form of subjugation and service. This role, while humble, was vital for the maintenance of the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring that the sacrificial system could function smoothly.

Symbolism and Lessons:

The role of the wood-cutter can also be seen as symbolic of humility and service. In the biblical narrative, those who served as wood-cutters were often in positions of subservience, yet their work was crucial for the community's spiritual and physical well-being. This serves as a reminder of the value of all forms of labor and the dignity inherent in serving others, regardless of one's social status.

In summary, the wood-cutter in biblical times was a figure of both practical necessity and symbolic humility, contributing to the community's daily life and religious practices. The biblical references to wood-cutters underscore the importance of their work and the broader themes of service and covenantal inclusion.

Boastings and Quarrels of the Philosophers.
... they say that they want nothing, yet, like Proteus, [489] they need a currier for
their wallet, and a weaver for their mantle, and a wood-cutter for their staff ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxv boastings and quarrels of.htm

The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ...
... Homer says:". "By art rather than strength is the woodcutter greatly superior."
[3199]. ... "By art rather than strength is the woodcutter greatly superior; ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the subject of plagiarisms.htm

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... Still, the great Hillel was a wood-cutter, his rival Shammai a carpenter,; and among
the celebrated Rabbis of after times we find shoemakers, tailors ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 11 jewish views on.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Wood-cutter (2 Occurrences)
Wood-cutter. Wood, Wood-cutter. Woodcutters . Multi-Version
Concordance Wood-cutter (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 29:11 ...
/w/wood-cutter.htm - 7k

Woodsman (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 14:8 Even the trees of the wood are glad over you, the trees of Lebanon,
saying, From the time of your fall no wood-cutter has come up against us with ...
/w/woodsman.htm - 6k

Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)

/w/woodcutters.htm - 7k

Cutter (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:8 Even the trees of the wood are glad over you, the trees of Lebanon,
saying, From the time of your fall no wood-cutter has come up against us with ...
/c/cutter.htm - 8k

Exult (50 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:8 Even the trees of the wood are glad over you, the trees of Lebanon,
saying, From the time of your fall no wood-cutter has come up against us with ...
/e/exult.htm - 20k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:8 Even the trees of the wood are glad over you, the trees of Lebanon,
saying, From the time of your fall no wood-cutter has come up against us with ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Lands (226 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 29:11 And your little ones, your wives, and the men of other lands who
are with you in your tents, down to the wood-cutter and the servant who gets ...
/l/lands.htm - 35k

Gets (122 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 29:11 And your little ones, your wives, and the men of other lands who
are with you in your tents, down to the wood-cutter and the servant who gets ...
/g/gets.htm - 33k

Oak (22 Occurrences)
... great tracts of country, especially in Galilee and East of the Jordan, are covered
by a stunted brushwood which, were it not for the wood-cutter, would grow ...
/o/oak.htm - 33k

Wood (226 Occurrences)

/w/wood.htm - 42k

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