Fork
“Three prongs”
Summary
A three-pronged agricultural implement, essentially a pitchfork, used for gathering hay, straw, and similar materials.
☩Description
The Hebrew compound word shelosh qilleshon, meaning literally 'three prongs,' refers to a three-pronged fork or pitchfork used for gathering hay, straw, and similar materials. This agricultural tool appears only in 1 Samuel 13:21, among the implements the Israelites had to take to the Philistines for sharpening. The Targum uses the same word for a pointed instrument, suggesting it could also have served as a weapon.
☩Context
The fork is mentioned alongside other agricultural tools (plowshares, mattocks, axes, goads) that the Israelites could not sharpen themselves due to the Philistine monopoly on metalworking (1 Samuel 13:19-21). This passage illustrates the technological and military disadvantage under which Israel labored during Saul's early reign. The need to keep such implements sharp was essential for effective farming.
Related Verses1 mention
1 Samuel· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fork," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Fork," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).