Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "wedge" is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures; however, the concept and function of a wedge can be inferred from various contexts and descriptions of tools and implements used in ancient Israelite society. A wedge, typically a piece of metal or wood with a tapered edge, is used to split, lift, or secure objects. Its function is based on the principle of applying force to a narrow edge to achieve a desired outcome, such as splitting wood or securing a structure.Symbolic and Practical Uses While the Bible does not directly reference wedges, the concept can be related to the broader category of tools and implements used for construction and craftsmanship. In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, skilled artisans employed various tools to shape and fit materials together. For instance, Exodus 31:3-5 describes Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood. Although wedges are not specifically mentioned, they would have been essential in the process of cutting and shaping materials. Metaphorical Implications The concept of a wedge can also be metaphorically applied to describe division or separation. In a spiritual sense, a wedge can symbolize anything that drives a division between individuals or between humanity and God. Proverbs 16:28 states, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Here, the idea of separation is akin to the function of a wedge, which divides and creates space between what was once united. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, wedges were likely used in various aspects of daily life, from construction to agriculture. The Israelites, like their neighboring cultures, would have utilized simple machines such as wedges to aid in their labor. The use of wedges in splitting wood, for example, would have been a common practice, as wood was a primary resource for building and fuel. Spiritual Lessons The implicit lessons from the concept of a wedge in Scripture can be drawn from the importance of unity and the dangers of division. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Just as a wedge can divide, so can sin and discord separate believers from one another and from God. The call to unity and reconciliation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need to avoid the metaphorical wedges that can disrupt relationships and community. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention wedges, their inferred presence in the context of ancient tools and their metaphorical implications provide valuable insights into the biblical themes of unity, division, and the craftsmanship involved in the worship and daily life of the Israelites. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A piece of metal, or other hard material, thick at one end, and tapering to a thin edge at the other, used in splitting wood, rocks, etc., in raising heavy bodies, and the like. It is one of the six elementary machines called the mechanical powers. See Illust. of Mechanical powers, under Mechanical.2. (n.) A solid of five sides, having a rectangular base, two rectangular or trapezoidal sides meeting in an edge, and two triangular ends. 3. (n.) A mass of metal, especially when of a wedgelike form. 4. (n.) Anything in the form of a wedge, as a body of troops drawn up in such a form. 5. (n.) The person whose name stands lowest on the list of the classical tripos; -- so called after a person (Wedgewood) who occupied this position on the first list of 1828. 6. (v. t.) To cleave or separate with a wedge or wedges, or as with a wedge; to rive. 7. (v. t.) To force or drive as a wedge is driven. 8. (v. t.) To force by crowding and pushing as a wedge does; as, to wedge one's way. 9. (v. t.) To press closely; to fix, or make fast, in the manner of a wedge that is driven into something. 10. (v. t.) To fasten with a wedge, or with wedges; as, to wedge a scythe on the snath; to wedge a rail or a piece of timber in its place. 11. (v. t.) To cut, as clay, into wedgelike masses, and work by dashing together, in order to expel air bubbles, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia WEDGE, OF GOLDwej, (lashon zahabh, literally, "tongue of gold"): A piece of gold in the form of a wedge found by Achan in the sack of Jericho. It was in one of the forms in which gold was used for money and was probably stamped or marked to indicate its weight, which was 50 shekels, i.e. one maneh, according to the Hebrew standard, or nearly two pounds troy. Its value would be 102 British pounds 10 shillings or USD510.00 (in 1915). See MONEY; POUND. A wedge, or rather, oblong rectangular strip of gold, of similar weight has been found in the excavations of Gezer (Macalister, Bible Side-Lights, 121). Along with metal rings they were doubtless used as an early form of currency. In Isaiah 13:12 the King James Version, kethem, "pure gold" (so the Revised Version (British and American)), is translated as "golden wedge" on insufficient grounds. Strong's Hebrew 3956. lashon -- tongue... tongue (84), tongues (5), word (1). babbler, evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. Or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural ... /hebrew/3956.htm - 6k 3800. kethem -- gold 2490. chalal -- to bore, pierce Library The Eighth Commandment Of the Number of Natures in the Manich??an Fiction. The Anthropomorphites not So Bad as the Manich??ans. The Form of the Region of Light the Worse of the Two. "Show Me Thy Glory!" Little Sins The Savanna of Aripo The Tenth Commandment Tenth Commandment The Old Testament and Archeology Thesaurus Wedge (3 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) Anything in the form of a wedge, as a body of troops drawn up in such a form. ... 7. (vt) To force or drive as a wedge is driven. ... /w/wedge.htm - 10k Key (8 Occurrences) Gad (78 Occurrences) Gold (429 Occurrences) Mantle (35 Occurrences) Robe (142 Occurrences) Garment (143 Occurrences) Underneath (19 Occurrences) Gore (9 Occurrences) Weddings (2 Occurrences) Resources What are the keys to resisting temptation? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org How can I know that my future sins are forgiven? | GotQuestions.org Wedge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wedge (3 Occurrences)Joshua 7:21 Joshua 7:24 Isaiah 13:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |