In the context of the Bible, the term "engine" is not used in the modern sense of a mechanical device powered by fuel or electricity. Instead, it refers to ancient mechanisms or devices used primarily for warfare or construction. The concept of engines in biblical times is closely associated with ingenuity and the application of human skill to solve practical problems, particularly in military contexts.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 26:15 : "In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners of the city. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped marvelously until he became powerful." This verse refers to King Uzziah of Judah, who is credited with inventing engines of war. These devices were likely early forms of catapults or ballistae, used to defend the city by launching projectiles at enemies.

2. Ezekiel 26:9 : "He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and demolish your towers with his axes." While the term "engine" is not explicitly used in this verse, the description of battering rams and siege works aligns with the concept of engines as tools of warfare. These devices were essential in ancient military strategy for breaching fortified cities.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites, the development and use of engines were crucial for both defense and conquest. The ingenuity involved in creating these devices reflects the broader biblical theme of human creativity and the use of God-given talents for practical purposes. The construction of engines required a deep understanding of mechanics and physics, showcasing the advanced technological capabilities of ancient civilizations.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of engines in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of human dominion over creation, as granted by God in Genesis 1:28. The ability to design and construct such devices demonstrates the fulfillment of the mandate to subdue the earth and harness its resources for human benefit. However, the use of engines in warfare also serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the propensity for conflict and violence.

Symbolism and Allegory:

In a symbolic sense, engines can represent the broader theme of spiritual warfare found throughout the Bible. Just as physical engines were used to protect and defend cities, believers are called to equip themselves with spiritual "armor" and "weapons" to stand firm against spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:10-18). The concept of engines thus serves as a metaphor for the preparation and vigilance required in the Christian life.

Conclusion:

The biblical references to engines highlight the intersection of human creativity, technological advancement, and the moral and spiritual challenges that accompany such developments. While the specific devices mentioned in the Bible differ from modern engines, the underlying principles of innovation and the ethical considerations of their use remain relevant to contemporary discussions on technology and faith.1. (n.) (Pronounced, in this sense, ////.) Natural capacity; ability; skill.

2. (n.) Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.

3. (n.) Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture.

4. (n.) A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect.

5. (v. t.) To assault with an engine.

6. (v. t.) To equip with an engine; -- said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.

7. (v. t.) (Pronounced, in this sense.) To rack; to torture.

ENGINE

en'-jin (2 Chronicles 26:15 Ezekiel 26:9; APC 1Macc 6:51; 13:43 f).

See SIEGE.

6904. qebol -- something in front, a military siege engine
... 6903, 6904. qebol. 6905 . something in front, a military siege engine.
Transliteration: qebol Phonetic Spelling: (ko'-bel) Short Definition: rams. ...
/hebrew/6904.htm - 6k

2810. chishshabon -- device, invention
... engine, invention. From chashab; a contrivance, ie Actual (a warlike machine) or
mental (a machination) -- engine, invention. see HEBREW chashab. 2809, 2810. ...
/hebrew/2810.htm - 6k

But How Didst Thou Make the Heaven and the Earth? and what the ...
... Book XI Chapter V But how didst Thou make the heaven and the earth? and what
the engine of? ... and what the engine of Thy so mighty fabric? ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter v but how didst.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... We remained at Falmouth twenty-four hours, taking in coals and repairing the engine,
which had sustained considerable damage. On Monday the 7th inst. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 16.htm

Keep the Fire Burning While the Frost Lasts!
... If he did not look to this, he would find himself stopping between stations, and
would have to submit to the indignity of being drawn by another engine! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xlvi keep the fire burning.htm

The Revolution of 1911
... Protest was useless, and we had to submit to see the engine detached and
ourselves abandoned, a useless derelict, on a rusty siding. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xix the revolution of.htm

Time Changes Nations' Dresses --And Fortunes.
... but a beam-like engine it is, which does military service in battering
walls"never before poised by any, the redoubted Carthage,. ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter i time changes nations dressesand.htm

San Josef
... To the right, the vast southern flat, with its smoking engine-house chimneys and
bright green cane-pieces, and, beyond all, the black wall of the primeval ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

Cape York
... before found its way to these seas, it was interesting to watch the impression upon
the singular beings now visited, when they descended into the engine-room. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /cape york.htm

'A Time to Plant'
... The engine-driver knows why he reverses his engine, and not the wheels that are
running in opposite directions in consecutive moments according to his will. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a time to plant.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... The engine was reversed, and the direction changed; but it remained the same
engine, and its power was increased under the new inspiration. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

The Work of Regeneration.
... Applied to a steam-engine, being is the engine itself, with its cylinders, pipes,
wheels, and screws; but its nature is the action manifest as soon as steam ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxii the work of regeneration.htm

Engine
... 4. (n.) A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a
given physical effect. 5. (vt) To assault with an engine. ...ENGINE. ...
/e/engine.htm - 7k

Throw (135 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To fling or cast in any manner; to drive to a distance from the hand or
from an engine; to propel; to send; as, to throw stones or dust with the hand ...
/t/throw.htm - 38k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) An extended handle by means of which a number of men can unite in working
a pump, as in a fire engine. 6. (n.) A baker's kneading though. ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Lag (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) The fag-end; the rump; hence, the lowest class. 6. (n.) The amount of
retardation of anything, as of a valve in a steam engine, in opening or closing. ...
/l/lag.htm - 7k

Power (862 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Ability, regarded as put forth or exerted; strength, force, or energy in
action; as, the power of steam in moving an engine; the power of truth, or of ...
/p/power.htm - 66k

Engines (4 Occurrences)
... 26:9), the use of which was common among the Egyptians and the Assyrians. Such
an engine is mentioned in the reign of David (2 Samuel 20:15). ...
/e/engines.htm - 8k

Trunk (3 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) A large pipe forming the piston rod of a steam engine, of sufficient diameter
to allow one end of the connecting rod to be attached to the crank, and ...
/t/trunk.htm - 9k

Receiver (1 Occurrence)
... of Air pump. 7. (n.) A vessel for receiving the exhaust steam from the high-pressure
cylinder before it enters the low-pressure cylinder, in a compound engine. ...
/r/receiver.htm - 8k

Duty (90 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The efficiency of an engine, especially a steam pumping engine, as measured
by work done by a certain quantity of fuel; usually, the number of pounds ...
/d/duty.htm - 37k

Doctor (5 Occurrences)
... an exigency; as, the doctor of a calico-printing machine, which is a knife to remove
superfluous coloring matter; the doctor, or auxiliary engine, called also ...
/d/doctor.htm - 10k

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