Bible Dictionary
SHOVEL
A shovel was used for winnowing grain, removing ashes from the altar, or carrying related materials. Different biblical terms may refer to somewhat different tools used in agriculture and sanctuary service.
Definition
A shovel is an implement used for handling grain, ashes, or related materials. Biblical references distinguish a wooden shovel for winnowing from tools used in removing ashes from the altar and another implement mentioned in connection with sanitation.
Biblical Usage
A shovel was used on the threshing floor to winnow grain and in sanctuary service to carry away ashes from the altar.
Historical Background
The altar shovel was probably a small shovel resembling those used for cleaning ashes from fireplaces or carrying live coals.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shuv'-l:</p><p>(1) rachath, is a wooden shovel used on the threshing-floor for winnowing the grain (Isa 30:24).</p><p>(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.</p><p>(3) yathedh (De 23:13 the Revised Version margin)</p><p>James A. Patch</p>