In biblical times, the term "treading-place" refers to a location where grapes or olives were trodden to extract juice or oil. This process was an essential part of ancient agricultural practices in the Near East, particularly in Israel, where vineyards and olive groves were abundant. The treading-place, often a stone or earthen vat, was a central feature in the production of wine and olive oil, both of which held significant economic, cultural, and religious importance.

Biblical References

The concept of the treading-place is alluded to in several passages of Scripture, highlighting its role in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. In Isaiah 63:2-3 , the imagery of treading is used metaphorically to describe divine judgment: "Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? 'I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the nations no one was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My wrath; their blood spattered My garments, and I stained all My clothes.'"

Similarly, in the book of Joel, the treading of the winepress is used as a symbol of God's impending judgment upon the nations: "Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the vats overflow because their wickedness is great" (Joel 3:13).

Cultural and Religious Significance

The treading-place was not only a site of labor but also a place of celebration and community gathering. The harvest season, particularly the grape harvest, was a time of joy and festivity, as reflected in the biblical narrative. In Judges 9:27 , the people of Shechem are described as going out into the fields, gathering grapes, and treading them, followed by a celebration: "They went out into the fields, gathered the grapes from their vineyards, and trod them. Then they held a festival in the temple of their god, where they ate and drank and cursed Abimelech."

The process of treading grapes or olives was typically done by foot, with individuals stomping on the produce in a shallow vat. This method allowed for the gentle extraction of juice or oil without crushing the seeds, which could impart bitterness. The resulting liquid would then be collected and further processed into wine or oil.

Symbolism and Metaphor

In addition to its literal use, the treading-place serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture. It symbolizes the pressing and refining processes that believers undergo in their spiritual journey. Just as grapes are crushed to produce wine, so too are individuals sometimes subjected to trials and tribulations to bring forth spiritual growth and maturity.

The imagery of the treading-place also points to the eschatological themes of judgment and redemption. The winepress, as a symbol of God's wrath, underscores the seriousness of divine judgment against sin, while also pointing to the hope of redemption and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

In summary, the treading-place in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol that encompasses themes of labor, celebration, judgment, and spiritual refinement. Its presence in Scripture reflects the agrarian context of ancient Israel and serves as a vivid metaphor for the processes of divine judgment and personal transformation.Treading-place (4 Occurrences)

Isaiah 5:5
And now, pray, let me cause you to know, That which I am doing to my vineyard, To turn aside its hedge, And it hath been for consumption, To break down its wall, And it hath been for a treading-place.
(YLT)

Isaiah 10:6
Against a profane nation I send him, And concerning a people of My wrath I charge him, To spoil spoil, and to seize prey, And to make it a treading-place as the clay of out places.
(YLT)

Isaiah 28:18
And disannulled hath been your covenant with death, And your provision with Sheol doth not stand, An overflowing scourge, when it passeth over, Then ye have been to it for a treading-place.
(YLT)

Micah 7:10
And see doth mine enemy, And cover her doth shame, Who saith unto me, 'Where 'is' Jehovah thy God?' Mine eyes do look on her, Now she is for a treading-place, As mire of the out-places.
(YLT)

Treading-place (4 Occurrences)
Treading-place. Treading, Treading-place. Treads . Multi-Version
Concordance Treading-place (4 Occurrences). Isaiah ...
/t/treading-place.htm - 7k

Treads (19 Occurrences)

/t/treads.htm - 12k

Treading (26 Occurrences)

/t/treading.htm - 15k

Out-places (22 Occurrences)
... doth mine enemy, And cover her doth shame, Who saith unto me, 'Where 'is' Jehovah
thy God?' Mine eyes do look on her, Now she is for a treading-place, As mire ...
/o/out-places.htm - 13k

Consumption (20 Occurrences)
... That which I am doing to my vineyard, To turn aside its hedge, And it hath been
for consumption, To break down its wall, And it hath been for a treading-place. ...
/c/consumption.htm - 14k

Clay (50 Occurrences)
... a profane nation I send him, And concerning a people of My wrath I charge him, To
spoil spoil, and to seize prey, And to make it a treading-place as the clay ...
/c/clay.htm - 25k

Provision (50 Occurrences)
... covenant with death, And your provision with Sheol doth not stand, An overflowing
scourge, when it passeth over, Then ye have been to it for a treading-place. ...
/p/provision.htm - 23k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... covenant with death, And your provision with Sheol doth not stand, An overflowing
scourge, when it passeth over, Then ye have been to it for a treading-place. ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

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