In biblical times, wagons were an essential means of transportation and played a significant role in various narratives and logistical operations. The term "wagon" in the Bible typically refers to a four-wheeled vehicle used for carrying goods, people, or both. Wagons are mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Old Testament References

One of the earliest mentions of wagons in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph. After Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers in Egypt, Pharaoh instructed them to bring their father Jacob and their families to Egypt. Pharaoh provided wagons for this purpose, as recorded in Genesis 45:19, "You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some wagons from Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back.’" . This provision of wagons underscores the wealth and resources of Egypt and the importance of facilitating the movement of Jacob's entire household.

Wagons were also used in the transportation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In Numbers 7, the leaders of Israel brought offerings for the dedication of the altar, including six covered wagons and twelve oxen. These wagons were used to transport the Tabernacle's components as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. Numbers 7:3 states, "They brought as their offering before the LORD six covered wagons and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a wagon from every two leaders." . This passage highlights the practical use of wagons in religious and communal life.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Wagons in the Bible often symbolize provision, movement, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The use of wagons to bring Jacob's family to Egypt can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a great nation, even in a foreign land. The wagons provided by Pharaoh were a tangible sign of God's provision and favor upon Joseph and his family.

In the context of the Tabernacle, wagons facilitated the Israelites' obedience to God's commands regarding worship and the proper handling of sacred objects. The careful transportation of the Tabernacle elements underscores the reverence and care required in worship and service to God.

Practical Aspects

Wagons were typically constructed of wood and drawn by oxen or other draft animals. They were designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, making them indispensable for trade, migration, and military campaigns. The use of wagons in biblical narratives reflects the technological and economic realities of the ancient world, where such vehicles were vital for sustaining large communities and armies.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the construction or design of wagons, their presence in key narratives highlights their importance in the daily life and religious practices of ancient Israel. Wagons served as instruments of God's providence and were integral to the fulfillment of His plans for His people.Wagons

Were sent by Joseph to convey his father's family into Egypt. The same vehicle, translated "cart" in 1 Samuel 6:7, was employed to transport some of the sacred utensils, Numbers 7:3,6, and in one instance the ark itself. In those later cases it was drawn by oxen. It was probably of simple structure, with two solid wheels. Such carts are sometimes used in Syria in removing agricultural produce, Am 2:3; but vehicles of any kind are little used, and travelers and merchandise are borne on the backs of camels, horses, and mules. See CART.

1534. galgal -- a wheel, whirl, whirlwind
... Word Origin from galal Definition a wheel, whirl, whirlwind NASB Word Usage wagons
(2), wheel (1), wheels (2), whirling dust (2), whirling wheels (3 ...
/hebrew/1534.htm - 6k

5699. agalah -- a cart
... Word Origin from the same as egel Definition a cart NASB Word Usage cart (14),
carts (4), cartwheel (1), chariots (1), wagon (1), wagons (4). ...
/hebrew/5699.htm - 6k

Joseph's Loyalty to his Family
... Now you are commanded to do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your
little ones and for your wives, and bring your father and come. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs loyalty to his family.htm

Princely Service.
... GLADSOME ACCEPTANCE: verses 3-5. "And they brought their offering before
the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; ... and ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Chapter xlv
... And as for thee, thou art under orders"this do: Take wagons for yourself from the
land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives and bring your father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlv.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... A transport and postal train bound for Rome was expected shortly, and, before eating,
Vergilius wrote a letter and had it ready when the wagons came rattling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... From 1800, there was a daily stage to Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Poughkeepsie,
and Albany. [167] Wagons and carriages began to multiply and to replace saddle ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

Chapter xlvi
... And Jacob set out from Beersheba, and the children of Israel transported Jacob,
their father, and their little ones and their wives in the wagons which Pharaoh ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Events During the War
... Father sold corn to the Union soldiers for 25 cents a bushel. In imagination I can
see the government wagons coming to haul the corn away to their camp. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... Worldly contentments may be compared to the wagons in an army; while the soldiers
have been victualling themselves at the wagons, they have lost the battle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... He told Joseph to send wagons for the wives and little ones of his brothers, and
to tell them to bring their father, and all their cattle and sheep, and come ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Chapter l
... Perhaps "wagons" for r??khebh would be the better rendering. Then "wagons"
would have carried the provisions, and the "horsemen" would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Wagons (14 Occurrences)
...Wagons (14 Occurrences). ... Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little
ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. ...
/w/wagons.htm - 11k

Barricade (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A fortification, made in haste, of trees, earth, palisades, wagons, or
anything that will obstruct the progress or attack of an enemy. ...
/b/barricade.htm - 8k

Oxen (176 Occurrences)
... Numbers 7:3 and they brought their offering before Yahweh, six covered wagons, and
twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox ...
/o/oxen.htm - 38k

Wagon (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A chariot. 4. (n.) The Dipper, or Charles's Wain. 5. (vt) To transport
in a wagon or wagons; as, goods are wagoned from city to city. ...
/w/wagon.htm - 8k

Park (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A space occupied by the animals, wagons, pontoons, and materials of all
kinds, as ammunition, ordnance stores, hospital stores, provisions, etc., when ...
/p/park.htm - 9k

Circle (32 Occurrences)
... rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went,
as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the ...
/c/circle.htm - 17k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... 5. Physical Condition of the Wilderness 6. Difficulties Regarding the Numbers of
Israel and Account of Tabernacle 7. Difficulty as to Number of Wagons 8. Fauna ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

Litter (1 Occurrence)
... In Numbers 7:3, the words "covered wagons" are more literally "carts of the litter
kind." There they denote large and commodious vehicles drawn by oxen, and ...
/l/litter.htm - 9k

Gershonites (17 Occurrences)
... The Gershonites were given two wagons with four oxen-half as many as the Merarites,
according to their service (Numbers 7:7). Thirteen cities were assigned to ...
/g/gershonites.htm - 14k

Encampment (8 Occurrences)
... rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went,
as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the ...
/e/encampment.htm - 9k

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