A sharp iron blade attached to the beam of a plow. Lacking rudimentary iron technology, Israelites of the early monarchical period (ca. 1020–1000 BCE) took plowshares for sharpening to the Philistines (1Sam 13:19-23). As instruments that can only be used in times of peace, they are contrasted with swords, also made of iron, which are instruments of war; turning swords into plowshares demonstrates peace (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3). In (Joel 3:10), however, the process is reversed.
1Sam 13:19-23
19Now there was no smith to be found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, “The Hebrews must not make swords or spears for themselves”;20 ... View more
Isa 2:4
4He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
na ... View more
Mic 4:3
3He shall judge between many peoples,
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into p ... View more
Joel 3:10
10Beat your plowshares into swords,
and your pruning hooks into spears;
let the weakling say, “I am a warrior.”
