Bellows

Bellows [Heb. mappuakh]. A device for heating a smelter.

A device consisting of flexible leather bags and fitted into a framework with a tube blowing the stream of air to make the refiner’s fires burn fiercely. When expanded it draw in air through the valve and expelled it when compressed. It helped to achieve the required temperature to melt the metal and to separate impurities. These characteristics are mentioned in Jeremiah 6:29 where the word occurs in the context of God’s judgment that draws off the wicked. Bellows were widespread in blacksmith craft among Palestinians since ancient times.