In biblical times, the term "beam" often refers to a large, sturdy piece of wood used in construction or as a tool. Specifically, the "weaver's beam" is a notable reference found in the context of ancient weaving practices. The weaver's beam was a crucial component of the loom, the apparatus used for weaving textiles. It served as the main horizontal support on which the warp threads were stretched, allowing the weaver to interlace the weft threads to create fabric.

The weaver's beam is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often to convey the size and strength of an object or person. One of the most prominent references is found in the account of Goliath, the Philistine giant, in 1 Samuel 17:7: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." . This description emphasizes the formidable size and strength of Goliath's weapon, likening it to the substantial and robust beam used in weaving.

Another reference to the weaver's beam is found in 2 Samuel 21:19, which recounts a battle with the Philistines: "Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam." . This passage highlights the continued use of the metaphor to describe the impressive size of a warrior's spear.

The imagery of the weaver's beam serves to communicate not only the physical attributes of objects but also the skill and craftsmanship involved in ancient weaving. Weaving was a vital industry in biblical times, providing necessary textiles for clothing and other uses. The loom, with its weaver's beam, was an essential tool in this process, requiring both strength and precision to operate effectively.

In the broader biblical narrative, the use of the weaver's beam as a metaphor underscores themes of strength, craftsmanship, and the cultural significance of weaving in ancient society. The references to the weaver's beam in Scripture provide insight into the daily life and technological advancements of the time, reflecting the importance of weaving as both a practical and symbolic element in the biblical world.1 Samuel 17:7
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 21:19
And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
Nave's Topical Index

708. ereg -- a loom
... beam, weaver's shuttle. From 'arag; a weaving; a braid; also a shuttle -- beam,
weaver's shuttle. see HEBREW 'arag. 707, 708. ereg. 709 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/708.htm - 6k

4500. manor -- a (weaver's) beam
... 4499, 4500. manor. 4501 . a (weaver's) beam. Transliteration: manor
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-nore') Short Definition: beam. Word ...
/hebrew/4500.htm - 6k

A Song of Deliverance
... confidences, and make sure of this, that however Achish and his giant Philistines
of Gath, wielding Goliath's arms, spears like a weaver's beam, and brazen ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance 2.htm

David's victory Over the Giant
... The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his iron spear
weighed about twenty pounds; and his shield-bearer went before him. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

April the Twenty-Sixth Goliath Versus God!
... He had splendid military equipment. "A helmet of brass," and "a coat of mail," and
"a spear like a weaver's beam!" Surely, if fine material equipment ...
/.../april the twenty-sixth goliath versus.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... grinding, sifting in a sieve, kneading, baking; shearing the wool, washing it, beating
it, dyeing it, spinning, putting it on the weaver's beam, making a knot ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... between his shoulders. The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam,
and his shield-bearer went before him. This champion sent ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be"
... he will rend you in pieces as he did the young lion; bind him with green withes,
and he will snap them as tow; weave his locks with a weaver's beam, and he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/as thy days so shall.htm

What Lasts
... What would the hand-loom weaver's knowledge of how to throw his shuttle be worth
in a weaving ... The three primitive colours are unified in the white beam of light ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/what lasts.htm

A Look Ahead
... That is the picture of a weaver's loom, with the warp threads running lengthwise,
the shuttle threads running crosswise, and the cross beam (or batten) driving ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/1 a look ahead.htm

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... it turned out that the bracelet belonged to the wife of the good weaver's late employer ...
once a ship, which was tossing on the waves, keeled over on her beam ends ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... It is only His pierced hand upon weaver and web that touches ugly threads into ... threads
being woven into the web, by repeated sharp blows of the batten-beam. ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/3 the valleysexperiences of suffering.htm

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