Mattock
Summary
A mattock was an agricultural tool similar to a pickaxe, used in ancient Israel for breaking up soil, grubbing out roots, and general cultivation work.
☩Biblical References
The mattock is mentioned in connection with the Israelites' need to go to the Philistines to sharpen their agricultural tools, since there was no smith in Israel during Saul's early reign. The Hebrew terms translated 'mattock' include machareshah (a cutting or ploughing instrument) and ma'der (a weeding-hoe used in vineyards). Isaiah mentions hillsides digged with the mattock that would no longer be cultivated due to coming judgment.
☩Description
The mattock was typically a single-headed pickaxe, one end broad for chopping and the other pointed for breaking hard ground. Vines in Palestine were usually grown on hillside terraces, where the mattock was in constant use for cultivation. The ancient Egyptian hoe, which served as hoe, spade, and mattock, was made of wood with the blade inserted through the handle and secured by twisted rope.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mattock," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Mattock," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).