In biblical times, the role of a woodsman, though not explicitly named as such, was integral to the daily life and economy of ancient Israel and its surrounding regions. The tasks associated with a woodsman included the felling of trees, gathering wood for construction, fuel, and various other purposes. The Bible provides several references to the use of wood and the labor involved in its procurement, reflecting the importance of this occupation.

Biblical References and Context

1. Construction and Craftsmanship: The use of wood in construction is evident in the building of the Temple by Solomon. In 1 Kings 5:6, Solomon requests cedar logs from King Hiram of Tyre, stating, "Now therefore, command 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." This passage highlights the skill required in timber cutting and the reputation of the Sidonians as expert woodsmen.

2. Provision and Sustenance: Wood was essential for daily life, particularly for fuel. In the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, wood gathering is mentioned as a routine task. 1 Kings 17:10-12 describes the widow gathering sticks to prepare a meal during a time of famine, illustrating the necessity of wood for cooking and heating.

3. Symbolism and Metaphor: Trees and wood are often used symbolically in Scripture. In Isaiah 10:15, the prophet uses the imagery of an axe and wood to convey a message about God's sovereignty: "Does the ax raise itself above the one who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the one who lifts it, or a staff to lift him who is not wood!" This metaphor underscores the relationship between the Creator and His creation, with the woodsman serving as an instrument in God's hands.

4. Judgment and Consequence: The imagery of woodcutting is also used in the context of judgment. In Jeremiah 46:22-23, the prophet speaks of the destruction of Egypt, likening it to the cutting down of a forest: "Her noise will proceed like that of a serpent, for they will march with an army and come against her with axes, like woodcutters. They will cut down her forest, declares the LORD, though it is dense, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted."

5. Community and Labor: The gathering and preparation of wood were communal activities, often involving cooperation among people. In Nehemiah 10:34, the Israelites make a covenant to provide wood for the altar: "We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people to bring wood offerings to the house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at appointed times year by year, to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law."

Cultural and Historical Insights

The role of a woodsman in biblical times was not merely a profession but a vital part of the community's sustenance and religious practice. The procurement of wood required skill and knowledge of the land, as well as an understanding of the types of wood suitable for various purposes, from construction to religious offerings. The woodsman's work was foundational to the infrastructure and daily life of ancient societies, reflecting the broader biblical themes of stewardship, provision, and the relationship between humanity and creation.(n.) A woodman; especially, one who lives in the forest.

A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... long prickles and small green fruit, its roots propped up by a semi-cylindrical
balk of timber, furry inside, which would puzzle a Hampshire woodsman; for it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter v a letter from.htm

The Family Bible.
... We would, therefore, say to the infidel, of this "family tree," as the returning
child said to the woodsman, of the old tree which sheltered the slumbers and ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter viii the family bible.htm

The Broken Tryst.
... You can just hear the soft, very soft woodsman's cry, "Hello-alo, hello, Adam,
Aa-dam"here I am"waiting for you"I've kept my tryst"where are you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the broken tryst.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... from one appointment to another " a practice by no means uncommon in those days,
when the forests were falling beneath the strokes of the woodsman's axe, and ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Woodsman (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A woodman; especially, one who lives in the
forest. Multi-Version Concordance Woodsman (1 Occurrence). ...
/w/woodsman.htm - 6k

Woods (37 Occurrences)

/w/woods.htm - 18k

Woodsmen (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Woodsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Woodsmen (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 2:10 And I will ...
/w/woodsmen.htm - 6k

Woodsman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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