Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "wheeled" in the Bible primarily relates to the use of wheels in ancient transportation and divine imagery. While the Bible does not frequently mention wheels, their presence is significant in the contexts where they appear, reflecting both practical and symbolic meanings.Transportation and Warfare Wheels were a crucial component of chariots, which were a primary means of transportation and warfare in ancient times. The use of chariots is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting their importance in military contexts. For instance, in Exodus 14:25, during the pursuit of the Israelites by the Egyptians, it is noted, "He caused their chariot wheels to wobble so that they had difficulty driving." This divine intervention led to the deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh's army. The presence of chariots and their wheels is also noted in the accounts of various battles and conquests. In 1 Kings 7:33, the construction of the chariot wheels is described in detail, emphasizing their craftsmanship: "The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal." Symbolic and Divine Imagery Beyond their practical use, wheels hold symbolic significance in biblical literature, particularly in prophetic visions. The most notable example is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1:15-21, the prophet describes a vision of four living creatures, each accompanied by a wheel: "As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces." These wheels are described as having the appearance of a wheel within a wheel, and they move in concert with the living creatures, signifying the omnipresence and omniscience of God. The wheels in Ezekiel's vision are often interpreted as representing the divine chariot or throne of God, symbolizing His sovereignty and the dynamic nature of His presence. The intricate and awe-inspiring description of these wheels underscores the majesty and mystery of God's heavenly realm. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, the development of the wheel was a significant technological advancement that facilitated trade, travel, and warfare. The biblical references to wheels reflect the historical reality of their use in the societies surrounding Israel. The construction and use of wheeled vehicles, such as chariots, were well-known in the cultures of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan. The biblical portrayal of wheels, particularly in prophetic literature, also draws from the broader ancient Near Eastern motifs of divine chariots and celestial vehicles. These motifs were common in the religious and mythological texts of neighboring cultures, where gods were often depicted as riding in chariots across the heavens. Conclusion The concept of "wheeled" in the Bible, while not extensively detailed, carries both practical and symbolic weight. Wheels are emblematic of human ingenuity in transportation and warfare, as well as profound symbols of divine presence and authority in prophetic visions. Through these references, the Bible reflects both the historical realities of the ancient world and the theological truths of God's sovereignty and power. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Wheel.2. (a.) Having wheels; -- used chiefly in composition; as, a four-wheeled carriage. Greek 4480. rhede -- a chariot ... chariot. Of Latin origin; a rheda, ie Four-wheeled carriage (wagon for riding) -- chariot. (redon) -- 1 Occurrence. 4479, 4480. rhede. 4481 . Strong's Numbers //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4480.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5699. agalah -- a cart... cart, chariot, wagon. From the same as agol; something revolving, ie A wheeled vehicle -- cart, chariot, wagon. see HEBREW agol. 5698, 5699. agalah. 5700 . ... /hebrew/5699.htm - 6k Library Faith and Courage. In the Homes of the People The First Season Choosing the Tens The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ... When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said ... While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican... The Death of Saint George. "The Pharaoh Drew Nigh" Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution Thesaurus Wheeled (6 Occurrences)... & pp) of Wheel. 2. (a.) Having wheels; -- used chiefly in composition; as, a four-wheeled carriage. Multi-Version Concordance Wheeled (6 Occurrences). ... /w/wheeled.htm - 8k Water-vessel (14 Occurrences) Cart (12 Occurrences) Wheel (20 Occurrences) Carriage (32 Occurrences) Chariot (102 Occurrences) Chaldaeans (65 Occurrences) Wheels (30 Occurrences) Width (58 Occurrences) Wagon (3 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Mennonites, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgWheeled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wheeled (6 Occurrences)1 Kings 7:27 2 Kings 16:17 2 Kings 25:13 2 Kings 25:16 Jeremiah 52:17 Jeremiah 52:20 Subtopics Related Terms Carriage-wheels (1 Occurrence) Whithersoever (32 Occurrences) |