Dictionary entry

Shovel

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

shuv'-l:

(1) rachath, is a wooden shovel used on the threshing-floor for winnowing the grain (Isa 30:24).

(2) ya`, is used in various passages to indicate some instrument employed to carry away ashes from the altar (Ex 27:3;38:3;Nu 4:14;1Ki 7:40,45;2Ki 25:14;2Ch 4:11,16;Jer 52:18). It was very likely a small shovel like those used in connection with modern fireplaces for cleaning away the ashes (compare Hebrew ya`ah, "to sweep away") or for carrying live coals to start a new fire.

(3) yathedh (De 23:13the Revised Version margin)

James A. Patch