Plane: A Tool
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In biblical times, the plane was a tool used by craftsmen, particularly carpenters, to smooth and shape wood. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the plane by name, the context of woodworking and craftsmanship is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the importance of skilled labor in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical Context and Usage

The art of woodworking is alluded to in several passages of the Bible, highlighting the significance of carpentry in the construction of various structures and items. For instance, the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and Solomon's Temple involved intricate woodwork, which would have required the use of tools like the plane to achieve the desired finish and precision.

In Isaiah 44:13, the prophet describes the work of a craftsman: "The carpenter stretches out a line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the form of a man, like a man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine." This passage illustrates the use of a plane in the process of creating idols, emphasizing the skill and precision involved in such craftsmanship.

Symbolism and Spiritual Insights

The use of the plane in woodworking can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual refinement and growth. Just as a plane smooths rough surfaces, the process of sanctification in a believer's life involves the removal of imperfections and the shaping of one's character to reflect the image of Christ. This analogy aligns with the biblical theme of God as the divine craftsman, molding and shaping His people for His purposes.

In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), which further underscores the significance of woodworking tools like the plane. Jesus' earthly profession as a carpenter serves as a reminder of the value of humble, diligent work and the divine craftsmanship involved in the creation and redemption of humanity.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The plane, as a tool, has a long history in the ancient Near East. Archaeological findings have uncovered various woodworking tools from the biblical era, providing insight into the techniques and materials used by craftsmen of the time. These tools were essential for constructing homes, furniture, and religious artifacts, reflecting the advanced skills and knowledge possessed by ancient woodworkers.

In summary, while the plane is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its role in the broader context of biblical craftsmanship is significant. The tool serves as a symbol of the meticulous work required in both physical and spiritual construction, highlighting the importance of skill, precision, and divine guidance in the life of a believer.
Nave's Topical Index
Isaiah 44:13
The carpenter stretches out his rule; he marks it out with a line; he fits it with planes, and he marks it out with the compass, and makes it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
4741. maqtsuah -- a scraping tool
... Word Origin from qatsa Definition a scraping tool NASB Word Usage planes (1). plane.
From qatsa'; a scraper, ie A carving chisel -- plane. see HEBREW qatsa'. ...
/hebrew/4741.htm - 6k
Library

Man and Machinery.
... The moment he was seen fashioning the first tool, however imperfect, that moment
was ... the realms of immortal beauty, may lift us to a nobler plane of endeavor. ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse ii man and machinery.htm

The Struggle for Life
... Man became a tool-using animal, and the foundations of the Arts were laid. ... are simply
the primitive Struggle continued on the social and political plane. ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

Involution
... in the planes, and for the new factors which appear with each new plane"as the ... For
the evolving products are now no longer the prey and tool of the Struggle ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter x involution.htm

The Memphite Empire
... The passage is an inclined plane, extending partly through the masonry and partly ...
and of such hardness that it is difficult to determine the tool with which ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... vol. i. pp.24, 25, of the present work), for along time believed that the
sun and moon revolved round the earth in a horizontal plane. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... And if thou make Me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stones:
for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Religious Revolution
History of the Catholic Church, Renaissance to French Revolution. <. ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

Resources
What is the Christ consciousness? | GotQuestions.org

What are spirit guides? Should Christians consult spirit guides? | GotQuestions.org

Does the string theory have any connection with belief in God? | GotQuestions.org

Plane: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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