Threshing-instruments are tools or devices used in the agricultural process of threshing, which involves separating grain from the husks and straw. In biblical times, threshing was a critical step in the harvest, ensuring that the grain was prepared for consumption or storage. The Bible provides several references to threshing-instruments, illustrating their importance in ancient agrarian society.

Types of Threshing-Instruments

1. Flail: A simple hand tool consisting of a wooden staff with a shorter, free-swinging stick attached to its end. The flail was used to beat the grain, loosening the edible part from the chaff.

2. Threshing Sledge: A more advanced tool, the threshing sledge was a heavy wooden platform with sharp stones or metal pieces embedded on the underside. It was dragged over the harvested grain by oxen or other animals, effectively cutting and separating the grain from the straw. The prophet Isaiah references this tool: "Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff" (Isaiah 41:15).

3. Threshing Wheel: Similar to the sledge, the threshing wheel was a cylindrical device that rolled over the grain. It was often used in conjunction with the sledge to increase efficiency.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Threshing-instruments are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing judgment, power, and transformation. In the book of Amos, the prophet condemns the transgressions of Damascus, saying, "Because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron" (Amos 1:3). This imagery conveys the harshness and severity of their actions.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses the metaphor of threshing to describe the coming judgment: "His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:12). Here, the process of separating wheat from chaff symbolizes the separation of the righteous from the wicked.

Cultural and Historical Context

Threshing-instruments were essential in the daily life of ancient Israel, reflecting the agrarian nature of the society. The process of threshing was often a communal activity, with families and neighbors working together to complete the harvest. The tools used were simple yet effective, designed to maximize the yield of grain.

The significance of threshing-instruments extends beyond their practical use, as they are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and prophecy. They serve as powerful symbols of divine judgment and the transformative power of God's word, illustrating the separation of good from evil and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

The Prophet Joel.
... chap. i.3, that they had threshed the inhabitants of Gilead with threshing
instruments of iron, concerns the kingdom of Israel only. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

Notes
... comfort is imparted in agricultural images: the cruel plowing does not go on for
ever, the gentle sowing comes; there are sharp threshing instruments [for the ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good is his eyes: lo, I give
thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

Threshing-instruments (1 Occurrence)
Threshing-instruments. Threshing-floors, Threshing-instruments. Threshingplace .
Multi-Version Concordance Threshing-instruments (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/threshing-instruments.htm - 6k

Instruments (136 Occurrences)
... in Jehovah's giving Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand -- I have threshed your flesh
with the thorns of the wilderness, and with the threshinginstruments.' (YLT). ...
/i/instruments.htm - 41k

Threshing (57 Occurrences)
... in Jehovah's giving Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand -- I have threshed your flesh
with the thorns of the wilderness, and with the threshinginstruments.' (YLT). ...
/t/threshing.htm - 28k

Threshed (7 Occurrences)
... in Jehovah's giving Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand -- I have threshed your flesh
with the thorns of the wilderness, and with the threshinginstruments.' (YLT). ...
/t/threshed.htm - 8k

Araunah (14 Occurrences)
... Araunah offered it to David as a free gift, together with the oxen and the threshing
instruments; but the king insisted on purchasing it at its full price (2 ...
/a/araunah.htm - 13k

Pleases (51 Occurrences)
... him. Behold, the cattle for the burnt offering, and the threshinginstruments
and the yokes of the oxen for the wood: (See NIV). ...
/p/pleases.htm - 21k

Yokes (6 Occurrences)
... Behold, the cattle for the burnt offering, and the threshinginstruments and
the yokes of the oxen for the wood: (WEB ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/y/yokes.htm - 8k

Ornan (10 Occurrences)
... yourself, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: behold, I
give you the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshinginstruments for wood ...
/o/ornan.htm - 10k

Implements (7 Occurrences)
... For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four, I will not turn away its
punishment; because they have threshed Gilead with threshinginstruments of iron ...
/i/implements.htm - 8k

Thrash (1 Occurrence)
... Jehovah's giving Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand -- I have threshed your flesh with
the thorns of the wilderness, and with the threshinginstruments.' (See NAS ...
/t/thrash.htm - 6k

What did the Israelites do during a mourning period (Deuteronomy 34:8)? | GotQuestions.org

Are we supposed to use musical instruments in church? | GotQuestions.org

What is a threshing floor? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus