Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "file" does not appear as a specific entry or concept. However, the idea of a file, as a tool used for shaping or smoothing metal, can be inferred from various passages that discuss the preparation and maintenance of tools and weapons. The use of metalworking tools, including files, would have been a part of daily life in ancient Israel, particularly in the context of crafting and maintaining agricultural implements and weapons.Biblical Context and Usage 1. Metalworking in Ancient Israel: The Israelites, like many ancient cultures, engaged in metalworking, which was essential for creating tools, weapons, and various implements. The process of shaping metal would have involved tools similar to what we understand as files today. While the Bible does not explicitly mention files, it does reference the broader context of metalworking. 2. 1 Samuel 13:19-21: This passage provides insight into the technological capabilities and limitations of the Israelites during the time of Saul. It states: "Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, 'Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.' So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle. The charge was a pim for the plowshares, mattocks, forks, and axes, and to fix the goads." This passage highlights the dependence of the Israelites on the Philistines for metalworking services, which would have included the use of files for sharpening and maintaining tools. 3. Symbolism and Spiritual Application: While the physical tool of a file is not directly mentioned, the concept of sharpening and refining is used metaphorically in Scripture. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse uses the imagery of metalworking to describe the mutual benefit and improvement that comes from relationships and community among believers. 4. Craftsmanship and Skill: The Bible often emphasizes the importance of skill and craftsmanship, which would have included the use of various tools. Exodus 31:3-5 describes Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship: "to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." While files are not specifically mentioned, the passage underscores the value placed on skilled work and the tools necessary to achieve it. Cultural and Historical Insights In the ancient Near East, metalworking was a highly valued skill, and the tools used in this craft were essential for both daily life and warfare. Files, as part of the metalworker's toolkit, would have been used to maintain the sharpness and functionality of various implements. The absence of direct references to files in the biblical text may be attributed to the broader categorization of metalworking tools under terms like "sharpen" or "forge." The reliance on neighboring cultures, such as the Philistines, for metalworking services, as seen in 1 Samuel 13, reflects the geopolitical and economic realities of the time. This dependence also highlights the strategic importance of metalworking knowledge and the control of such technology in ancient warfare and agriculture. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention files, the concept is embedded within the broader context of metalworking and tool maintenance, which played a significant role in the daily and spiritual life of the Israelites. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An orderly succession; a line; a row2. (n.) A row of soldiers ranged one behind another; -- in contradistinction to rank, which designates a row of soldiers standing abreast; a number consisting the depth of a body of troops, which, in the ordinary modern formation, consists of two men, the battalion standing two deep, or in two ranks. 3. (n.) An orderly collection of papers, arranged in sequence or classified for preservation and reference; as, files of letters or of newspapers; this mail brings English files to the 15th instant. 4. (n.) The line, wire, or other contrivance, by which papers are put and kept in order. 5. (n.) A roll or list. 6. (n.) Course of thought; thread of narration. 7. (v. t.) To set in order; to arrange, or lay away, esp. as papers in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to place on file; to insert in its proper place in an arranged body of papers. 8. (v. t.) To bring before a court or legislative body by presenting proper papers in a regular way; as, to file a petition or bill. 9. (v. t.) To put upon the files or among the records of a court; to note on (a paper) the fact date of its reception in court. 10. (v. i.) To march in a file or line, as soldiers, not abreast, but one after another; -- generally with off. 11. (n.) A steel instrument, having cutting ridges or teeth, made by indentation with a chisel, used for abrading or smoothing other substances, as metals, wood, etc. 12. (n.) Anything employed to smooth, polish, or rasp, literally or figuratively. 13. (n.) A shrewd or artful person. 14. (v. t.) To rub, smooth, or cut away, with a file; to sharpen with a file; as, to file a saw or a tooth. 15. (v. t.) To smooth or polish as with a file. 16. (v. t.) To make foul; to defile. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FILEfil: Greek 4960. sustoicheo -- to stand in the same rank, fig. correspond to ... to correspond to. From sun and stoicheo; to file together (as soldiers in ranks), ie (figuratively) to correspond to -- answer to. see GREEK sun. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4960.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6477. petsirah -- perhaps bluntness... Word Origin from patsar Definition perhaps bluntness NASB Word Usage charge (1). file. From patsar; bluntness -- + file. see HEBREW patsar. 6476, 6477. ... /hebrew/6477.htm - 6k 6310. peh -- mouth Library This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... This Document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at ... Thesaurus File (1 Occurrence)... as papers in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to place on file; to insert in its proper place in an arranged body of papers. ... /f/file.htm - 9k Defile (63 Occurrences) Tools (3 Occurrences) Rank (42 Occurrences) Precious (128 Occurrences) Stones (244 Occurrences) Figures (11 Occurrences) Filing (1 Occurrence) Goads (4 Occurrences) Found (3968 Occurrences) Resources Is it a sin to share, download, or pirate copyrighted material (music, movies, software) on the internet? | GotQuestions.orgIs it allowable for a Christian to have a life partner without a civil marriage? | GotQuestions.org What is the history of Masada? | GotQuestions.org File: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance File (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 13:21 Subtopics File used for Sharpening Edged Tools Related Terms |
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