In the context of the Bible, the term "engines" refers to devices or mechanisms used primarily in warfare. These were not engines in the modern sense, such as internal combustion engines, but rather mechanical contrivances designed for specific purposes, particularly in the context of siege warfare.

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. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously until he became powerful." This verse refers to King Uzziah of Judah, who reigned in the 8th century BC. Uzziah is noted for his military innovations, including the construction of engines designed to enhance the city's defenses. These devices were likely early forms of catapults or ballistae, used to launch projectiles at enemy forces.

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 "engines" 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. The context is a prophecy against the city of Tyre, illustrating the use of siege engines in ancient military campaigns.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern warfare, engines were crucial for besieging fortified cities. These devices were often large and required significant manpower to operate. They were designed to breach walls, destroy fortifications, and provide a tactical advantage to the attacking army. The development and use of such engines demonstrate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient military engineers.

The construction and deployment of engines were indicative of a king's power and technological advancement. As seen in the case of Uzziah, the ability to innovate in military technology was a source of prestige and influence. These engines were not only practical tools but also symbols of a nation's strength and capability.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of engines in the Bible underscores the themes of human ingenuity and the quest for security. While these devices were instrumental in achieving military success, the Bible often reminds its readers that true security and victory come from reliance on God rather than human inventions. The account of Uzziah, for instance, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance, as his success ultimately led to his downfall due to his unfaithfulness to God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Conclusion:

The biblical references to engines highlight the intersection of human innovation and divine providence. While these devices were essential for ancient warfare, the biblical narrative consistently points to the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs, reminding believers to place their trust in Him above all else.

(1.) Hebrews hishalon i.e., "invention" (as in Ecclesiastes 7:29) contrivances indicating ingenuity. In 2 Chronicles 26:15 it refers to inventions for the purpose of propelling missiles from the walls of a town, such as stones (the Roman balista) and arrows (the catapulta).

(2.) Hebrews mechi kobollo, i.e., the beating of that which is in front a battering-ram (Ezek. 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).

4239. mechi -- a smiting
... Word Origin from machah Definition a smiting NASB Word Usage blow (1). engines.
From machah; a stroke, ie Battering-ram -- engines. see HEBREW machah. ...
/hebrew/4239.htm - 6k

2810. chishshabon -- device, invention
... Definition: devices. Word Origin from chashab Definition device, invention NASB
Word Usage devices (1), engines (1). engine, invention. From ...
/hebrew/2810.htm - 6k

How Herod, when He had Married Mariamne Took Jerusalem with the ...
... was summer time, and there was nothing to hinder them in raising their works, neither
from the air nor from the workmen; so they brought their engines to bear ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how herod when.htm

Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ...
... for the place was no way accessible where the valleys were, and on the other side
the first wall appeared too strong to be shaken by the engines,] he thereupon ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning the tyrants.htm

That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ...
... while they had themselves perpetually less and less hopes of success, and their
banks were forced to yield to the stratagems of the enemy, their engines to the ...
/.../chapter 1 that the miseries.htm

On Sandals and Simplicity
... In the middle of the wildest fields the most rustic child is, ten to one, playing
at steam-engines. And the only spiritual or philosophical ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/x on sandals and simplicity.htm

When the Banks were Completed and the Battering Rams Brought, and ...
... be brought, and set over against the western edifice of the inner temple; for before
these were brought, the firmest of all the other engines had battered the ...
/.../chapter 4 when the banks.htm

How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ...
... miseries within oppressed them also, and they did not suffer themselves to be terrified,
either by the contrivances of the enemy, or by their engines of war ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how the king.htm

How the Jews were Crucified Before the Walls of the City ...
... And now, when the engines were brought, John had from within undermined the space
that was over against the tower of Antonia, as far as the banks themselves ...
/.../chapter 11 how the jews.htm

Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ...
... beneath, by the weapons thrown from their hands only; but was obliged to repel those
that threw their darts from the temple above him, by his engines of war ...
/.../chapter 1 concerning the seditions.htm

Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...
... of the Seleucidse. So he made engines of war, and erected bulwarks, and
very zealously pressed on to take the citadel. But there ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... others of them went down into the subterranean vaults, though still a great many
of them defended themselves against those that brought the engines for the ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

Engines (4 Occurrences)
... Assyrians. Such an engine is mentioned in the reign of David (2 Samuel
20:15). Multi-Version Concordance Engines (4 Occurrences). 2 ...
/e/engines.htm - 8k

Siege (63 Occurrences)
... of military discipline in the wilderness, when they entered Canaan they had no
experience of the operations of a siege and were without the engines of war ...
/s/siege.htm - 51k

Governor (78 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A contrivance applied to steam engines, water wheels, and other machinery,
to maintain nearly uniform speed when the resistances and motive force are ...
/g/governor.htm - 48k

Irrigation
... This supply is now being supplemented by the introduction of thousands of pumps
and oil engines for raising the water of the wells sufficiently to run it ...
/i/irrigation.htm - 9k

Invented (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/i/invented.htm - 7k

Turret (1 Occurrence)
... one hundred and twenty cubits high, usually moved on wheels, and employed in
approaching a fortified place, for carrying soldiers, engines, ladders, casting ...
/t/turret.htm - 7k

Earthworks (10 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:22 At his right hand was the fate of Jerusalem, to give orders for
destruction, to send up the war-cry, to put engines of war against the doors ...
/e/earthworks.htm - 9k

Engine

/e/engine.htm - 7k

Earthwork (7 Occurrences)
... on it, shutting it in, building strong places against it, and making high an earthwork
against it; and put up tents against it, placing engines all round it ...
/e/earthwork.htm - 9k

Defenses (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/d/defenses.htm - 8k

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