Millstones are significant agricultural tools mentioned frequently in the Bible, symbolizing both daily sustenance and judgment. In ancient times, millstones were used to grind grain into flour, a staple in the diet of the people. Typically, a pair of millstones was used: a stationary lower stone and a rotating upper stone. The process of grinding was labor-intensive and often performed by women or servants.

In the Old Testament, millstones are mentioned in various contexts. For instance, in Deuteronomy 24:6, the law prohibits taking a millstone as a pledge, emphasizing its essential role in sustaining life: "Do not take a pair of millstones or even the upper one as security for a debt, because that would be taking a man's livelihood as security." This underscores the importance of millstones in daily life and the need to protect a person's means of providing for their family.

Millstones also appear in narratives of judgment and destruction. In Judges 9:53, a woman drops an upper millstone on Abimelech's head, leading to his death. This act of divine justice highlights the millstone as an instrument of God's judgment. Similarly, in Revelation 18:21, a mighty angel casts a great millstone into the sea, symbolizing the sudden and complete destruction of Babylon: "Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: 'With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be seen again.'"

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of a millstone to convey the severity of leading others into sin. In Matthew 18:6, He warns, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This vivid metaphor underscores the gravity of causing spiritual harm to others.

Lamp

Lamps in the Bible are often symbolic of guidance, knowledge, and the presence of God. In the ancient Near East, lamps were typically small clay vessels filled with oil and a wick, used to provide light in homes and temples.

The imagery of lamps is prevalent throughout Scripture, often representing God's Word and His guidance. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating how God's teachings illuminate the believer's journey through life. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of divine wisdom and direction.

In the tabernacle and later the temple, lamps held a significant role in worship. The golden lampstand, or menorah, was a vital fixture, symbolizing God's eternal presence among His people. Exodus 27:20-21 instructs the Israelites to keep the lamps burning continually: "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations."

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp to teach about the visibility and influence of believers. In Matthew 5:14-16, He states, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Here, the lamp symbolizes the witness of Christians, who are called to shine brightly in a dark world.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the importance of being prepared and vigilant, using lamps as a central element. The wise virgins bring extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones do not, resulting in their exclusion from the wedding feast. This parable serves as a warning to remain spiritually alert and ready for Christ's return.