required great attention to keep them in the ground (Luke 9:62). They were
drawn by oxen (Job 1:14), cows (1 Samuel 6:7), and asses (Isaiah 30:24);
but an ox and an ass must not be yoked together in the same plough
(Deuteronomy 22:10). Men sometimes followed the plough with a hoe to
break the clods (Isaiah 28:24). The oxen were urged on by a “goad,” or long
staff pointed at the end, so that if occasion arose it could be used as a
spear also (Judges 3:31; 1 Samuel 13:21).
When the soil was prepared, the seed was sown broadcast over the field
(Matthew 13:3-8). The “harrow” mentioned in Job 39:10 was not used to
cover the seeds, but to break the clods, being little more than a thick block
of wood. In highly irrigated spots the seed was trampled in by cattle
(Isaiah 32:20); but doubtless there was some kind of harrow also for
covering in the seed scattered in the furrows of the field.
The reaping of the corn was performed either by pulling it up by the roots,
or cutting it with a species of sickle, according to circumstances. The corn
when cut was generally put up in sheaves (Genesis 37:7; Leviticus
23:10-15; Ruth 2:7, 15; Job 24:10; Jeremiah 9:22; Micah 4:12), which were
afterwards gathered to the threshing-floor or stored in barns (Matthew
6:26).
The process of threshing was performed generally by spreading the
sheaves on the threshing-floor and causing oxen and cattle to tread
repeatedly over them (Deuteronomy 25:4; Isaiah 28:28). On occasions
flails or sticks were used for this purpose (Ruth 2:17; Isaiah 28:27). There
was also a “threshing instrument” (Isaiah 41:15; Amos 1:3) which was
drawn over the corn. It was called by the Hebrews a moreg, a threshing
roller or sledge (2 Samuel 24:22; 1 Chronicles 21:23; Isaiah 3:15). It was
somewhat like the Roman tribulum, or threshing instrument.
When the grain was threshed, it was winnowed by being thrown up against
the wind (Jeremiah 4:11), and afterwards tossed with wooden scoops
(Isaiah 30:24). The shovel and the fan for winnowing are mentioned in
Psalm 35:5, Job 21:18, Isaiah 17:13. The refuse of straw and chaff was
burned (Isaiah 5:24). Freed from impurities, the grain was then laid up in
granaries till used (Deuteronomy 28:8; Proverbs 3:10; Matthew 6:26;
13:30; Luke 12:18).
- AGRIPPA I. The Grandson Of Herod The Great, And Son Of
Aristobulus And Bernice. The Roman Emperor Caligula Made Him