The term "cart-rope" appears in the Bible in the book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 5:18. In the Berean Standard Bible , the verse reads: "Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes." This imagery is rich with meaning and provides insight into the spiritual condition of those being addressed by the prophet Isaiah.

In the context of Isaiah 5, the prophet is delivering a series of "woes" or pronouncements of judgment against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. These pronouncements are directed at various forms of moral and spiritual corruption. The use of "cart-rope" in Isaiah 5:18 serves as a metaphor for the deliberate and burdensome nature of sin. Just as a cart-rope is used to pull a heavy load, the people are depicted as dragging their iniquities and sins with them, indicating a willful and persistent engagement in sinful behavior.

The imagery of a cart-rope suggests several key aspects of sin:

1. Deliberate Action: The use of a rope to pull a cart implies intentionality. The people are not merely stumbling into sin; they are actively choosing to engage in it. This reflects a hardened heart and a conscious decision to pursue a path contrary to God's commandments.

2. Burden of Sin: A cart-rope is used to pull a heavy load, symbolizing the weight and burden of sin. Sin is not a light matter; it is a heavy load that individuals choose to carry, often leading to spiritual and moral decay.

3. Deception and Self-Delusion: The verse mentions "cords of deceit," highlighting the deceptive nature of sin. Those who engage in sin often deceive themselves, believing they can manage or justify their actions. This self-deception blinds them to the true nature and consequences of their behavior.

4. Inevitability of Judgment: The imagery of pulling sin with cart ropes underscores the inevitability of judgment. Just as a cart follows the path set by its driver, those who persist in sin are on a path leading to divine judgment, as outlined in the subsequent verses of Isaiah 5.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of sin as a burden is echoed in other scriptures. For instance, in the New Testament, Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). This invitation contrasts with the heavy burden of sin depicted in Isaiah, offering hope and redemption through Christ.

The use of "cart-rope" in Isaiah 5:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. It calls believers to examine their own lives, to recognize the weight of sin, and to seek God's forgiveness and guidance in living a life that honors Him.

A Prophet's Woes
... strangers eat.18. Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19. That say, Let ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a prophets woes.htm

The Best of the Best
... This he said, signifying what death he should die." And the drawings of Christ are
not, as it were, with a cart rope, but with silken bonds, ay, with invisible ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of the best.htm

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... anger.". 2: Isaiah v:18, 19""Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords
of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: that say ... ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... that is awful. In the phrase of the prophet, he "draws iniquity with cords
of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart-rope.". It is ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

The vineyard Labourers.
... neck. Be not high-minded but fear. The line that bound you was a slender
cord; the line that binds that brother is a cart rope. He ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/ix the vineyard labourers.htm

The Danger of Riches
... Formerly one might guide you with a thread; now one cannot turn you with a
cart-rope. You were glad to be admonished or reproved; but that time is past. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 87 the danger of.htm

Cart-rope (1 Occurrence)
Cart-rope. Cart, Cart-rope. Cart-ropes . Multi-Version Concordance
Cart-rope (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them ...
/c/cart-rope.htm - 6k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... Isaiah (5:18) says, "Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and
sin as it were with a cartrope." This verse is thus given in the Chaldee ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

Cart (12 Occurrences)
... A "cartrope," for the purpose of fastening loads on carts, is used (Isaiah 5:18)
as a symbol of the power of sinful pleasures or habits over him who indulges ...
/c/cart.htm - 15k

Rope (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness
as with cartrope; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/rope.htm - 11k

Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence)
Cart-ropes. Cart-rope, Cart-ropes. Carts . Multi-Version Concordance Cart-ropes
(1 Occurrence). ... (DBY). Cart-rope, Cart-ropes. Carts . Reference Bible.
/c/cart-ropes.htm - 6k

Drag (19 Occurrences)
... NIV). Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
and sin as it were with a cartrope, (See NAS). Jeremiah ...
/d/drag.htm - 14k

Falsehood (107 Occurrences)
... NIV). Isaiah 5:18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood,
and wickedness as with cartrope; (WEB ASV NAS RSV). Isaiah ...
/f/falsehood.htm - 36k

Woe (102 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness
as with cartrope; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/woe.htm - 37k

Wo (92 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness
as with cartrope; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wo.htm - 33k

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