Hammer

Summary

A striking tool used in construction, metalworking, and tent-pitching, employed figuratively in Scripture for God's word and powerful nations.

☩Literal Uses

Several Hebrew terms describe hammers. The temple was built without hammer sounds (1 Kings 6:7). Craftsmen used hammers to shape idols (Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 10:4). Jael used a hammer (or mallet) to drive a tent peg through Sisera's head (Judges 4:21).

☩Figurative Uses

God's word is 'like a hammer that breaks rock in pieces' (Jeremiah 23:29), emphasizing its power to shatter hardness. Babylon is called 'the hammer of the whole earth' (Jeremiah 50:23), describing its devastating military power—yet God would break even that hammer.

Related Verses9 mentions

Jeremiah· 3 verses

Isaiah· 2 verses

Judges· 2 verses

1 Kings· 1 verse

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hammer," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).