Removing the kernel of grain from its stalk. Different methods were used to accomplish this. The most basic method, beating the grain, was used by farmers with a small amount of grain to thresh. These farmers sometimes would walk their animals over the grain to thresh it.

For larger operations, animal-drawn machines were used. The most common of these was the threshing sledge . Made of planks with rocks or metal attached to its underside, the sledge was pulled back and forth over the grain. Weight was added by using stones or the weight of the driver and his children.

While threshing was an important part of the everyday life of the ancient Israelites, it formed an important backdrop for Old Testament picture language. Threshing is mentioned frequently as a symbol for destruction <2 Kin. 13:7; Amos 1:3> or divine judgment .

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)