What is referred to as a millstone in the Bible is actually two circular stones that were used to grind grain. There is the flat and much heavier lower stone that remained stationary. The second stone is called the upper stone. This smaller upper stone turned on top of the base stone to grind the grain.
Millstone References In The Bible
The millstone is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. As we can see in (Deuteronomy 24:6), millstones played a very crucial role in Bible times in that it was needed to grind the grain that made the bread. The stone also gets a mention in (Job 41:24) where the creature Leviathan is being described. Here it is said his heart is as hard as the lower millstone.
An upper millstone was the weapon of choice used by a woman to crush the skull of Abimelech in (Judges 9:53). Not wanting it to be said that he was killed by a woman, Abimelech had his armor bearer draw his sword and kill him.
Over in the New Testament we find a millstone, which could weigh up to (3300lbs), was used as part of a warning from Jesus. He said, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
The bread making stone is also found in (Isaiah 47:2), (Jeremiah 25:10), and (Revelation 18:22).
Follow THE BIBLE ANSWER on Facebook and Instagram!
