Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, woodcutters played a significant role in the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites. The task of cutting wood was essential for various purposes, including construction, fuel, and religious sacrifices. The role of woodcutters is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in both practical and spiritual contexts.Role and Duties Woodcutters were responsible for felling trees and preparing wood for various uses. This included providing timber for building structures such as homes, the Temple, and other significant edifices. Wood was also crucial for fuel, used in cooking and heating, and for religious sacrifices, where it was necessary for burnt offerings. Biblical References One of the earliest mentions of woodcutters is found in the context of the Gibeonites, who, after deceiving Joshua into making a peace treaty with them, were assigned the role of woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. Joshua 9:27 states, "On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose, and they are to this day." The task of woodcutting was not only for the common people but also organized for the service of the Temple. In 1 Kings 5:6, Solomon requests assistance from Hiram, king of Tyre, for skilled woodcutters to help in the construction of the Temple: "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians." Symbolic and Spiritual Significance Woodcutting also holds symbolic significance in the Bible. The act of cutting down trees can represent judgment or destruction, as seen in Isaiah 10:33-34, where the LORD is described as cutting down the lofty trees: "Behold, the Lord, the GOD of Hosts, will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be felled, and the lofty ones will be brought low. He will clear the forest thickets with an ax, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One." Conversely, the provision of wood for the altar signifies dedication and service to God. The woodcutters' labor was integral to maintaining the sacrificial system, which was central to Israelite worship and atonement practices. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, woodcutting was a labor-intensive task, often requiring collaboration and skill. The choice of wood was significant, with certain types like cedar and acacia being highly valued for their durability and suitability for construction and religious purposes. The Sidonians, as mentioned in the context of Solomon's Temple, were renowned for their expertise in timber work, particularly with the cedars of Lebanon. Woodcutters, though often seen as performing menial labor, were vital to the community's functioning and religious life. Their work supported the infrastructure of society and the worship practices that were central to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. Strong's Hebrew 2404. chatab -- to cut or gather wood... to cut or gather wood NASB Word Usage chops your wood (1), cut (1), fashioned (1), gather firewood (1), hewers of wood (3), woodcutters (1), woodsmen (1). ... /hebrew/2404.htm - 6k Library 2 Cor. xi. 13 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Thesaurus Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Woodcutters (4 Occurrences). Joshua 9:21 And the princes said concerning them: 'Let them live'; so they ... /w/woodcutters.htm - 7k Wood-cutter (2 Occurrences) Wood-cutters (3 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Nethinim? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)Joshua 9:21 Joshua 9:23 Joshua 9:27 Jeremiah 46:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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