In biblical times, the term "felloes" refers to the outer rim or band of a wheel, which holds the spokes in place. This component is crucial for the structural integrity and functionality of a wheel, allowing it to bear weight and rotate smoothly. The construction and use of wheels were significant in ancient cultures, including those mentioned in the Bible, for transportation, agriculture, and warfare.

Biblical References:

The Bible does not explicitly mention "felloes" by name, but the concept is inherent in the descriptions of chariots and carts, which were common in ancient Israel and surrounding nations. The construction of these vehicles would have included felloes as part of their wheels. For example, in 1 Kings 7:33, the description of Solomon's temple furnishings includes detailed accounts of the wheels: "The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal" . This passage highlights the craftsmanship and materials used in wheel construction, implicitly acknowledging the presence of felloes.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, wheels were typically made of wood, with felloes crafted from strong, flexible timber to withstand the stresses of movement and load-bearing. The felloes were often bound with metal bands to enhance durability. The use of wheels revolutionized transportation and logistics, enabling the movement of goods, people, and armies across vast distances.

Chariots, in particular, played a significant role in biblical narratives, symbolizing power and military might. The Israelites encountered chariots in various battles, such as those described in the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 17:16, the descendants of Joseph express concern about the Canaanites' iron chariots: "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who dwell in the valley have iron chariots" . The mention of iron chariots underscores the technological advancements and strategic advantages provided by well-constructed wheels, including their felloes.

Symbolic Significance:

While the Bible does not directly attribute symbolic meaning to felloes, the broader symbolism of wheels and chariots can be inferred. Wheels often represent movement, progress, and divine intervention. In Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim and the wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21), the wheels are described as part of a heavenly chariot, signifying God's omnipresence and sovereignty. The intricate design and function of these wheels, though not explicitly mentioning felloes, suggest a divine order and purpose.

Conclusion:

The concept of felloes, though not explicitly named in the Bible, is integral to the understanding of ancient transportation and the symbolic use of wheels in biblical literature. The craftsmanship and materials involved in their construction reflect the technological advancements of the time and the cultural significance of wheeled vehicles in biblical narratives.FELLOES

fel'-oz (1 Kings 7:33).

See WHEEL.

Of the Building of this Temple
... The whole work was elevated, and stood upon four wheels, which were also cast, which
had also naves and felloes, and were a foot and a half in diameter. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Felloes (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia FELLOES. fel'-oz (1 Kings 7:33). See
WHEEL. Multi-Version Concordance Felloes (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/felloes.htm - 6k

Workmanship (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel; their
axletrees, and their felloes, and their spokes, and their naves, were all ...
/w/workmanship.htm - 11k

Felling (2 Occurrences)

/f/felling.htm - 7k

Axletrees (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their
axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all ...
/a/axletrees.htm - 7k

Ring (33 Occurrences)
... of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:18 (the King James Version) are gabh, "curved," and mean
"rims" (American Standard Revised Version), "felloes." Egyptians especially ...
/r/ring.htm - 24k

Fellow (166 Occurrences)

/f/fellow.htm - 42k

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