A handmill, also known as a quern, is a simple device used in ancient times for grinding grain into flour. It typically consists of two circular stones, with the upper stone rotating on the lower one. The handmill is a significant tool in biblical times, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on grain as a staple food.

Biblical References

The handmill is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its importance in daily life and its symbolic meanings. In Exodus 11:5, the handmill is referenced in the context of the final plague on Egypt: "And every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl who is at the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle." This passage highlights the widespread impact of the plague, affecting all social classes, from royalty to servants.

In Deuteronomy 24:6, the handmill is mentioned in the context of laws concerning pledges: "Do not take a pair of millstones, or even the upper one, as security for a debt, because that would be taking a man's livelihood as security." This law underscores the essential nature of the handmill for survival, as it was crucial for preparing daily bread.

The handmill also appears in the narrative of Judges 16:21, where Samson, after being captured by the Philistines, is forced to grind grain in prison: "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison." This act of humiliation and labor signifies Samson's fall from strength and freedom to weakness and servitude.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The handmill symbolizes sustenance and daily provision, as it was indispensable for producing flour, a primary component of the diet in biblical times. Its presence in the household was a sign of domestic productivity and self-sufficiency. The prohibition against taking millstones as a pledge in Deuteronomy reflects the recognition of the handmill's vital role in sustaining life.

In a broader spiritual context, the handmill can be seen as a metaphor for the daily spiritual nourishment that believers seek through the Word of God. Just as the handmill grinds grain to produce flour for physical sustenance, the Scriptures provide spiritual sustenance for the soul.

Historical Context

Archaeological findings have uncovered various types of handmills used throughout the ancient Near East, ranging from simple saddle querns to more complex rotary querns. These tools were typically operated by women, who would spend significant portions of their day grinding grain to prepare meals for their families.

The handmill's design and operation remained relatively unchanged for centuries, attesting to its effectiveness and essential role in ancient agrarian societies. Its presence in biblical narratives and laws highlights its integral place in the daily life and economy of the Israelites.7347. recheh -- (hand)mill
... Definition: millstones. Word Origin from an unused word Definition (hand)mill
NASB Word Usage handmill (1), millstones (4). mill stone. From ...
/hebrew/7347.htm - 5kMillstone (9 Occurrences)
... to 5 ft. in diameter, working on the principle of the handmill, are still used
for grinding sesame seed. These are turned by asses or mules. ...
/m/millstone.htm - 15k

Mill (9 Occurrences)
... to 5 ft. in diameter, working on the principle of the handmill, are still used
for grinding sesame seed. These are turned by asses or mules. ...
/m/mill.htm - 18k

Handmill (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Handmill (3 Occurrences). ... did not a woman cast the upper
stone of a handmill from the wall, that he died in Thebez? ...
/h/handmill.htm - 7k

Urijah (29 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Samuel 11:21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman
cast the upper stone of a handmill from the wall, that he died in Thebez? ...
/u/urijah.htm - 16k

Metallurgy
... by Diodorus. The ore was first crushed to the size of lentils and then
ground to powder in a handmill made of granite slabs. This ...
/m/metallurgy.htm - 8k

Pledge (55 Occurrences)
... custody of it in the daytime until the debt was paid.) A widow's clothing, however,
was entirely exempt (Deuteronomy 24:17), as was the handmill used for bread ...
/p/pledge.htm - 28k

Oil (281 Occurrences)
... The fruit thus softened may be trod out with the feet (Micah 6:15)-which
is now seldom practiced-or crushed in a handmill. Such ...
/o/oil.htm - 60k

Poor (276 Occurrences)
... hire was to be given him daily (Leviticus 19:13 Deuteronomy 24:15); no widow's raiment
was to be taken in pledge (Deuteronomy 24:17), nor the handmill, nor the ...
/p/poor.htm - 60k

Handmaid's (1 Occurrence)

/h/handmaid's.htm - 6k

Hand-mill (1 Occurrence)
Hand-mill. Handmill, Hand-mill. Hand-mills . Multi-Version Concordance
Hand-mill (1 Occurrence). ... (DBY). Handmill, Hand-mill. Hand-mills . Reference
/h/hand-mill.htm - 6k

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