A Great Millstone,

Millstones are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing a means of judgment or punishment. But what exactly are millstones, and what is their significance in Scripture? This post will provide a comprehensive overview of millstones in the Bible.

Millstones are mentioned both literally and symbolically throughout the Bible. On a literal level, they are referenced simply as tools used in agriculture and food production. But on a symbolic level, millstones take on greater meaning. They frequently represent a means of punishment, destruction, or divine judgment. The millstone in the Bible is a powerful metaphor that represents punishment, warning, and judgment. It reminds us of the stench and guilt of sin, as well as the terrifying results of leading others astray. In ancient times, millstones were a central part of everyday life, and their importance is reflected in the Bible.

A millstone is literally a stone used for grinding grain. In ancient times, millstones were commonly used to grind wheat, barley, and other grains into flour. The process involved two circular stones placed on top of each other. The bottom stone was stationary, while the top stone was rotated to crush the grain.

On a metaphorical level, millstones represent instruments of destruction and judgment. Jesus himself uses this imagery on several occasions to forewarn of God’s punishment for unrepentant sin. Millstones become symbols of drastic measures taken to prevent evil from spreading. Let’s look at some key examples:

1. MILLSTONE FOR DROWNING (MATTHEW 18:6).

In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of protecting and properly guiding children in the faith. He then warns:

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NKJV).

2. Millstone of destruction (Luke 17:1-2).

In Luke 17, Jesus similarly warns his disciples of behaving in ways that could cause others to stumble in their faith:

“It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:1-2 NKJV)

Millstones are mentioned both literally and symbolically throughout the Bible. On a literal level, they are referenced simply as tools used in agriculture and food production. But on a symbolic level, millstones take on greater meaning. They frequently represent a means of punishment, destruction, or divine judgment.

Revelation 18:21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

18:21 into the sea. Jeremiah 51:41-42,63-64. This final disappearance of Babylon, possibly brought about by an aftershock of the great earthquake, may well result from a sudden fracturing or slippage of the earth’s crust, causing the entire region to drop down below sea level. This event may occur some weeks or months after the great disaster (a nuclear explosion or perhaps even fire from heaven) that left the great city in ashes. This would give time for the ancient prophecies of Babylon’s great desolation to be literally fulfilled (Isaiah 13:20-22; Jeremiah 51:62; Revelation 18:2).

Revelation 18:21

Biblicaly, Babylon can be a city or a nation. Though it is sometimes figuratively portrayed as a woman, it is not a church. In prophecy, especially in the New Testament, it symbolizes the worldly system opposed to God. One must discern from the context in which "Babylon" appears which interpretation is intended, but experience shows that Babylon overwhelmingly signifies a nation. Even when it suggests a city, we have to remember that God often uses a city to represent the entire nation.

Annihilationism and Revelation 18:8, 21, Babylon burned and not found any more.

Then

1-Revelation 18:8, “For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong."

2-Revelation 18:21, “Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer."

Revelation is a highly symbolic book, and interpreting it can be difficult. Annihilationists frequently cite different verses in it that deal with various forms of destruction and judgment and interpret them to mean that in the final judgment, people will cease to exist. They sometimes raise Rev. 18:8 and 21 in their agenda.

But does the context of Revelation 18:8 and 21 necessitate that nonexistence of the wicked is a proper interpretation? I don't think so because the question of Babylon's existence is the issue, not people. There are different interpretations of what Babylon might mean. I've heard everything from the United States, to a new unified governmental system in Europe, to the Roman Catholic Church set at the Vatican in Rome. Nevertheless, consider the following quotes.

a-"A major city in central Mesopotamia, located on the Euphrates (32°33´N; 44°24´E). It played an important role in the history of the ANE during the 2d and 1st millennia B.C.

b-"Land and people of southern Mesopotamia. Politically, Babylonia refers to the ancient kingdoms that flourished in southern Mesopotamia, especially in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, whose capital city was Babylon (or Bab-ilu, meaning “gate of god”). The term can also be used geographically to designate a whole region (in present-day SE Iraq). The adjective “Babylonian” has an even looser meaning; it may refer to the land or its inhabitants, to the kingdom or its subjects, or to a dialect of one of the principal ancient Mesopotamian languages.

c-A major civilization in southern Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which flourished from the middle of the third through the late first millennia B.C.

In the NASB.

In the NASB Bible, the word "Babylon" occurs 294 times. In the New Testament, the word occurs 12 times, six outside of the book of Revelation, and six times within it. In each case it is a place (Matt. 1:11,12, 17; Acts 7:43; 1 Pet. 5:13). In the six occurrences found in the book of Revelation, we find the following.

1-Babylon has fallen, Revelation 14:8; 18:2

2-God gave Babylon the cup of his wrath, Revelation 16:19

3-Babylon is the mother of harlots, relation 17:5

4-Babylon is tormented, Revelation 18:10

5-Babylon is a city, Revelation 18:21.

On a literal level, millstones are referenced numerous times in Scripture simply as tools used for grinding grain. As an agrarian society, grinding grain into flour was essential for making bread, the primary food staple of biblical times. The daily chore of operating millstones was commonly delegated to women.

Revelation 18:8 and verse 21 speak of the destruction of the city of Babylon. Verse 8 says the city will be burned with fire. Verse 21 says the city will not be found anymore. Good, may that evil system perish. But, it's the city that is not found anymore in the context of its destruction, not individuals. To say that these verses necessitate the annihilation of the wicked people is to read into the text far too much. Therefore, these verses cannot be used to prove that the annihilation of the wicked is a true doctrine.

This passage reminds us that God will one day completely vanquish all evil. The heaviness of the millstone reflects the comprehensiveness and finality of this destruction.

Millstones as Symbols of Justice and Restoration.

Beyond judgment, millstones also symbolize God’s justice and the restoration he promises to bring about. Though punishment is necessitated by sin, God’s desire is to ultimately redeem people and reform society into a harmonious community. We see this hinted at in several verses that reference millstones.

No more war.

When describing the peaceable kingdom Christ will establish, Scripture foretells a time when weapons and tools of war will be transformed into equipment for agriculture:

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NKJV‬)

Speaking similarly of worldwide restoration, another passage says:

“Now I will break [Israel’s] bow in the Valley of Jezreel.” (‭‭Hosea‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NKJV)

And again:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NKJV).

In ancient times, continual warfare characterized much of society. But Scripture foresees a future of unity and peace, with military weapons being transformed into tools for cultivating crops, like millstones for grinding grain. The symbolism looks forward to the reign of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Fairness and equity.

The book of Revelation also utilizes millstone imagery to represent God’s restoration of justice:

“And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; but do not damage the oil and the wine.’” (Revelation 6:6 NKJV).

A “quart of wheat” was the daily ration for a soldier. But workers had to toil all day just to earn enough (one denarius) to buy that single quart. So these verses symbolize fair wages and equitable treatment for all people. Like a millstone evenly grinding grain, God’s restoration will mean justice regardless of class or social standing.

Millstones and the Gospel.

When looking at the full scope of Scripture, we see millstones utilized in various ways – from literal references to metaphorical warnings. But in all cases, they point us to core theological truths.

Most significantly, the imagery of millstones underscores the inevitability of God’s judgment of sin and His restoration of all things through Christ. Just as grain is ground to powder between massive millstones, God will completely deal with wickedness and make all things new.

But this future hope necessitates the present opportunity of repentance through the gospel. Scripture warns that ”now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and to seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).

May this overview of millstones throughout the Bible remind us to flee from sin, pursue holiness, and trust in Christ. He bore the weight of judgment on our behalf so that by faith we can be made as righteous as He.