The Syrian plough, which was probably used in all the regions
around, is a very simple frame, and commonly so light, that a man of
moderate strength might carry it in one hand. Volney states that in
Syria it is often nothing else than the branch of a tree cut below a
bifurcation, and used without wheels. It is drawn by asses and cows,
seldom by oxen. And Dr. Russel informs us, the ploughing of Syria is
performed often by a little cow, at most with two, and sometimes only by
an ass. In Persia it is for the most part drawn by one ox only, and not
unfrequently even by an ass, although it is more ponderous than in
Palestine. With such an imperfect instrument, the Syrian husbandman can
do little more than scratch the surface of his field, or clear away the
stones or weeds that encumber it, and prevent the seed from reaching the
soil. The ploughshare is a piece of iron, broad, but not large, which
tips the end of the shaft.” So much does it resemble the short sword
used by the ancient warriors, that it may with very little trouble, be
converted into that deadly weapon; and when the work of destruction is
over, reduced again into its former shape, and applied to the purposes
of agriculture. In allusion to the first operation, the Prophet Joel
summons the nations to leave their peaceful employments in the
cultivated field, and buckle on their armour: Beat your ploughshares
into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears,” Joel iii, 10. This
beautiful image the Prophet Isaiah has reversed, and applied to the
establishment of that profound and lasting peace which is to bless the
church of Christ in the latter days: And they shall beat their swords
into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not
lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,”
Isaiah ii, 4. The plough used in Syria is so light and simple in its
construction, that the husbandman is under the necessity of guiding it
with great care, bending over it, and loading it with his own weight,
else the share would glide along the surface without making any
incision. His mind should be wholly intent on his work, at once to press
the plough into the ground, and direct it in a straight line. Let the
ploughman,” said Hesiod, attend to his charge, and look before him; not
turn aside to look on his associates, but make straight furrows, and
have his mind attentive to his work.” And Pliny: Unless the ploughman
stoop forward,” to press his plough into the soil, and conduct it
properly, he will turn it aside.” To such careful and incessant
exertion, our Lord alludes in that declaration, No man having put his
hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven,”
Luke ix, 62.
around, is a very simple frame, and commonly so light, that a man of
moderate strength might carry it in one hand. Volney states that in
Syria it is often nothing else than the branch of a tree cut below a
bifurcation, and used without wheels. It is drawn by asses and cows,
seldom by oxen. And Dr. Russel informs us, the ploughing of Syria is
performed often by a little cow, at most with two, and sometimes only by
an ass. In Persia it is for the most part drawn by one ox only, and not
unfrequently even by an ass, although it is more ponderous than in
Palestine. With such an imperfect instrument, the Syrian husbandman can
do little more than scratch the surface of his field, or clear away the
stones or weeds that encumber it, and prevent the seed from reaching the
soil. The ploughshare is a piece of iron, broad, but not large, which
tips the end of the shaft.” So much does it resemble the short sword
used by the ancient warriors, that it may with very little trouble, be
converted into that deadly weapon; and when the work of destruction is
over, reduced again into its former shape, and applied to the purposes
of agriculture. In allusion to the first operation, the Prophet Joel
summons the nations to leave their peaceful employments in the
cultivated field, and buckle on their armour: Beat your ploughshares
into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears,” Joel iii, 10. This
beautiful image the Prophet Isaiah has reversed, and applied to the
establishment of that profound and lasting peace which is to bless the
church of Christ in the latter days: And they shall beat their swords
into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not
lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,”
Isaiah ii, 4. The plough used in Syria is so light and simple in its
construction, that the husbandman is under the necessity of guiding it
with great care, bending over it, and loading it with his own weight,
else the share would glide along the surface without making any
incision. His mind should be wholly intent on his work, at once to press
the plough into the ground, and direct it in a straight line. Let the
ploughman,” said Hesiod, attend to his charge, and look before him; not
turn aside to look on his associates, but make straight furrows, and
have his mind attentive to his work.” And Pliny: Unless the ploughman
stoop forward,” to press his plough into the soil, and conduct it
properly, he will turn it aside.” To such careful and incessant
exertion, our Lord alludes in that declaration, No man having put his
hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven,”
Luke ix, 62.