Plow
Summary
The plow was an essential agricultural implement used throughout Scripture, often serving as a symbol in figurative language.
☩Ancient Plows
Ancient plows were simple implements—often a forked stick with one branch sharpened as the share and shod with iron in rocky regions. They scratched rather than turned the soil. Oxen were principally used for plowing, sometimes with multiple teams. Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah called him. The Philistines' monopoly on ironworking forced Israelites to go to them to sharpen their plowshares.
☩Figurative Use
Scripture uses plowing imagery extensively: 'Beat your swords into plowshares' represents peace. 'Having put his hand to the plow, and looking back' describes unfitness for God's kingdom. 'The plowers plowed upon my back' depicts deep affliction. 'Judah shall plow' signifies enslavement.
