In biblical times, woodsmen played a crucial role in the daily life and economy of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The term "woodsmen" refers to those who worked with wood, including lumberjacks, carpenters, and craftsmen. Their skills were essential for building, crafting tools, and providing fuel for cooking and heating.

Biblical References and Roles

1. Lumberjacks and Woodcutters: The task of cutting down trees and preparing timber was vital for construction and various other needs. In the construction of the Temple, King Solomon employed skilled woodsmen from Tyre, as recorded in 1 Kings 5:6: "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

2. Carpenters: Carpenters were responsible for crafting wood into usable items, from simple tools to complex structures. Jesus Himself was known as a carpenter, following in the trade of His earthly father, Joseph. This is implied in Mark 6:3: "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?"

3. Craftsmen and Artisans: Skilled artisans were essential for creating intricate designs and furnishings, especially for sacred spaces. In Exodus 31:2-5, God appoints Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, to craft the Tabernacle's furnishings: "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."

Symbolism and Metaphors

Woodsmen and their work with trees and wood are often used metaphorically in Scripture. Trees can symbolize strength, stability, and life, as seen in Psalm 1:3: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does."

Conversely, the act of cutting down trees can symbolize judgment or destruction. In Isaiah 10:33-34, the Lord's judgment is likened to the felling of trees: "Behold, the Lord, the LORD of Hosts, will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. He will clear the forest thickets with an ax, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One."

Cultural and Economic Impact

Woodsmen were integral to the economy of ancient Israel. Wood was a primary resource for building homes, crafting tools, and creating weapons. The demand for skilled woodsmen was high, especially during periods of construction and expansion, such as the building of Solomon's Temple and other significant projects.

The forests of Lebanon, known for their majestic cedars, were particularly prized. The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned in the Bible as symbols of beauty and strength, and their wood was highly sought after for construction and artistic purposes.

In summary, woodsmen in biblical times were essential contributors to society, providing necessary materials and skills for both everyday life and significant religious and cultural projects. Their work is woven throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of their craft in the ancient world.(n.) Plural of Woodsman.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). ...
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The Neighbor Colonies to virginia-Maryland and the Carolinas.
... offended at one's sitting in the steeple-house with his hat on, found it an evidence
that "they had little or no religion" when the rough woodsmen of Carolina ...
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Woodsmen (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Woodsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Woodsmen (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 2:10 And I will ...
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Woodwork (3 Occurrences)

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Woodsman (1 Occurrence)

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