TOOLS. Tools in the Bible are only incidentally referred to, usually in connection with the arts and crafts. The Hebrews were not gifted in the use of tools, as shown in the references to Bezalel and Oholiab, who were esp. endowed with skills to build the Tabernacle (Exod 31:1-11; 35:30-36:1), and the importation of Phoen. craftsmen by Solomon to build the Temple (1 Kings 7:13).

Woodworkers made use of metal saws, prob. of the Egyp. pull-type, with the teeth pointing toward the handle. They were also used for cutting stone (cf. 1 Kings 7:9; Isa 10:15). Traditionally Isaiah was executed by being sawn in two (Heb 11:37). Mallets were prob. used by the carpenter instead of hammers (Judg 4:21; cf. 5:26). Nine different Heb. words are rendered “axe” or “adze,” indicating a variety of these useful tools. The blade might be set parallel, or at right angles to the handle, which itself might be long or short. Stone, bronze, and iron were materials used, and methods of hafting varied considerably (cf. Deut 20:19; 19:5, with 2 Kings 6:5, Jer 10:3). Axes also doubled as weapons (Judg 9:48; Jer 46:22). The carpenter used also scrapers, planes and chisels for cutting (Isa 44:13), with awls and drills for making holes (Exod 21:6; Deut 15:17). The knife was ubiquitous, and used for all types of cutting. For layout and measuring, the line was used, with the plumb-bob, compasses, some kind of square, and rules. Scripture references to these items are numerous.

The stone mason used many of the same or similar tools, with the addition of a variety of hammers (1 Kings 6:7; Jer 23:29). Chisels, wedges, rubbing stones, levers, rollers and primitive cranes also were common. Brickmolds, various forms of trowels and picks (cf. the Siloam Inscription) may be added. The metalsmith would use, in addition to some of the hammers already listed, the special kind referred to in Isaiah 41:7. He must also have an anvil, a furnace, bellows, molds, ladles, files, drills, etc. Tongs and clamps or vises were also prob. devised and used.

Agricultural tools included the plowshare, sickle or pruning hook, ox-goad, mattock, forks and shovels, and the axe (1 Sam 13:21; 1 Kings 7:40, 45; Joel 3:13). Sharpening was mostly accomplished with stones and files (1 Sam 13:21). The blacksmith sharpened many tools by heating the metal and hammering out the edges.

The potter had his own variety, including the wheel, kiln, tournettes, paddle-and-anvil, scrapers and burnishers. Other cratfs, as weaving, tanning, dyeing, tent-making, painting, jewelry-making, engraving, sculpture, etc. all had their special tools and equipment.

Bibliography See articles on specific tools, as well as general treatments of technology in ancient times, e.g., R. Forbes, Studies in Ancient Technology, Vols. I-IX (1964); C. Singer, et al., A History of Technology, Vols. I-V (1964).