In biblical times, wood-cutters played a significant role in the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites. The task of cutting wood was essential for various purposes, including construction, fuel, and religious sacrifices. The role of wood-cutters is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in both practical and spiritual contexts.

Role and Duties

Wood-cutters were responsible for felling trees and preparing wood for various uses. This included providing timber for building structures such as homes, the Temple, and other significant edifices. Wood was also crucial for fuel, used in cooking and heating, and for religious sacrifices, where it was necessary for burnt offerings.

Biblical References

One of the earliest mentions of wood-cutters is found in the context of the Gibeonites, who, after deceiving Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty, were assigned the role of wood-cutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. Joshua 9:27 states, "On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose. And they are to this day."

The task of wood-cutting was not only for the common people but also organized for the service of the Temple. In 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon requests assistance from Hiram, king of Tyre, for skilled wood-cutters to help in the construction of the Temple: "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that none among us can cut timber like the Sidonians."

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Wood-cutting also holds symbolic significance in the Bible. The act of cutting wood for sacrifices is a reminder of the preparation and dedication required in worship. The wood used in burnt offerings symbolizes the complete consumption and dedication of the offering to God, as seen in the meticulous preparations for sacrifices in the Levitical laws.

Moreover, the role of wood-cutters in the service of the Temple underscores the idea that even seemingly menial tasks are valuable in the service of God. The Gibeonites, though initially outsiders, were integrated into the community of Israel through their service, illustrating the inclusive nature of God's covenant community.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, wood-cutting was a labor-intensive task, often requiring collaboration and skill. The choice of wood, such as the renowned cedars of Lebanon, reflects the importance of quality materials in construction and worship. The reliance on wood-cutters from neighboring regions, like the Sidonians, indicates the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern societies and the exchange of skills and resources.

Overall, wood-cutters were integral to the functioning of Israelite society, providing necessary resources for daily life and religious observance. Their work, while practical, also carried deeper spiritual implications, reflecting the dedication and service required in the worship of God.2404. chatab -- to cut or gather wood
... to cut or gather wood NASB Word Usage chops your wood (1), cut (1), fashioned (1),
gather firewood (1), hewers of wood (3), woodcutters (1), woodsmen (1). ...
/hebrew/2404.htm - 6k

2 Cor. xi. 13
... But if he seems to thee to be enviable on this account, then why not also woodcutters
who carry burdens every day and come to the city [with them]? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiv 2 cor xi.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... have been at a loss to guess the importance, if contemporary documents had not made
it clear"fishermen, hunters, laundresses, wood-cutters, gardeners, and ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... His mountain provinces yielded him wood and minerals, and provided a reserve of
semi-savage woodcutters and herdsmen from which to recruit his numerous ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Woodcutters (4 Occurrences). Joshua 9:21 And
the princes said concerning them: 'Let them live'; so they ...
/w/woodcutters.htm - 7k

Wood-cutters (3 Occurrences)
Wood-cutters. Woodcutters, Wood-cutters. Wood-cutting . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Woodcutters, Wood-cutters. Wood-cutting . Reference Bible.
/w/wood-cutters.htm - 7k

Cutters (14 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:21 The princes said to them, "Let them live, so they became woodcutters
and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to ...
/c/cutters.htm - 10k

Drawers (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:21 The princes said to them, "Let them live, so they became woodcutters
and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to ...
/d/drawers.htm - 7k

Carriers (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:21 The princes said to them, "Let them live, so they became woodcutters
and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to ...
/c/carriers.htm - 8k

Wood (226 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:21 The princes said to them, "Let them live, so they became woodcutters
and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to ...
/w/wood.htm - 42k

Gliding (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 46:22 The sound of it shall go like the serpent; for they shall
march with an army, and come against her with axes, as woodcutters. ...
/g/gliding.htm - 7k

Wood-cutter (2 Occurrences)
Wood-cutter. Wood, Wood-cutter. Woodcutters . Multi-Version Concordance
Wood-cutter (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Wood, Wood-cutter. Woodcutters . Reference
/w/wood-cutter.htm - 7k

Woodsmen (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 2:10 And I will give as food to your servants, the wood-cutters, twenty
thousand measures of grain, and twenty thousand measures of barley and ...
/w/woodsmen.htm - 6k

Wood-cutting (2 Occurrences)
Wood-cutting. Wood-cutters, Wood-cutting. Wooded . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Wood-cutters, Wood-cutting. Wooded . Reference Bible.
/w/wood-cutting.htm - 7k

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