Page 64 - No Apologies

that on which the wool or flax was rolled; and the spindle, that by twisting of which
she twisted the thread with the right hand, while she held the distaff in the guard of
the left arm, and drew down the thread with the fingers of the left hand. Allowing
that spindle and distaff are proper translations of kishor, and pelech, this was their
use, and the way in which they were used. The spindle and distaff are the most
ancient of all the instruments used for spinning, or making thread. The
spinning-wheel superseded them in these countries; but still they were in
considerable use till spinning machinery superseded both them and the
spinning-wheels in general."

The spinning wheel is a more recognizable item for most people today, though for
many its usage is as mysterious as the more ancient distaff and spindle.

The Bible identifies the making of clothing as part of that work traditionally
performed by the woman in the role of a homemaker. I am not suggesting that women
today need to return to using the spindle and loom anymore than I would suggest they need
to learn the art of candle making to light their homes. Electricity serves very well for lights
today. Nevertheless, it does reveal that those duties performed by the woman who was a
keeper at home have been given over to others.
The change has been by degrees, but it has been accomplished with relative swiftness.
Fabric and thread became readily available for purchase during the industrial revolution,
making it no longer necessary for the woman to create everything from scratch. The sewing
machine became the workhorse for the stay at home woman, and tens of millions of sewing
machines were sold. Women prior to World War I worked outside the home in relatively
small numbers, and those who did so were usually unmarried, and from the lower classes.
Those women who could do so, chose to remain at home and they used the modern
convenience of store bought cloth and a sewing machine to make garments for their
families, and to sell or trade with others.
The Bible mentions food and clothing as two of the most basic needs of mankind, and
women had key roles in both of these areas of life.

Proverbs 31:14-16
She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is