Definition and Description:

The term "wheelwork" in the context of the Bible primarily refers to the intricate and complex structure of wheels described in the visions of the prophet Ezekiel. These wheels are part of the divine chariot or throne of God, symbolizing His omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. The concept of wheelwork is deeply embedded in the imagery of divine movement and the execution of God's will throughout the universe.

Biblical References:

The most detailed description of wheelwork is found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 1:15-21 and Ezekiel 10:9-13. In these passages, Ezekiel describes a vision of four living creatures, each accompanied by a wheel intersecting another wheel, creating a complex and awe-inspiring structure.

Ezekiel 1:15-21 states: "As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their appearance and workmanship were like a wheel within a wheel. As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels."

Ezekiel 10:9-13 further elaborates: "I looked, and I saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. When the wheels moved, the cherubim moved; when the cherubim lifted their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not turn from beside them. When the cherubim stood still, the wheels stood still; and when they rose, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels."

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The wheelwork in Ezekiel's vision is rich with symbolic meaning. The wheels' ability to move in any direction without turning signifies the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, who is not confined by physical limitations. The eyes on the rims of the wheels represent divine omniscience, indicating that God sees and knows all things.

The "wheel within a wheel" design suggests complexity and the interworking of divine plans that are beyond human comprehension. This imagery conveys the message that God's purposes are intricate and perfectly coordinated, even when they appear mysterious to human observers.

The presence of the spirit within the wheels emphasizes the unity and harmony between the divine and the created order. The movement of the wheels in perfect synchronization with the living creatures illustrates the seamless execution of God's will, as the spirit directs both the heavenly beings and the wheelwork.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the wheelwork in Ezekiel's vision serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world. It reassures believers of God's control over all creation and His ability to guide history according to His divine purposes. The vision of the wheelwork encourages faith in God's perfect wisdom and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

In Christian thought, the wheelwork can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's presence and power on earth. Through Christ, believers experience the reality of God's kingdom, which moves with divine purpose and direction, much like the wheelwork in Ezekiel's vision.(n.) A combination of wheels, and their connection, in a machine or mechanism.

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... When you have been here a little longer, and begin to understand the intricate
wheelwork of our intrigues, you will learn that there are two factions of Goths. ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

Wheelwork (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A combination of wheels, and their connection, in
a machine or mechanism. Multi-Version Concordance Wheelwork (2 Occurrences). ...
/w/wheelwork.htm - 7k

Whelp (4 Occurrences)

/w/whelp.htm - 10k

Wheels (30 Occurrences)

/w/wheels.htm - 16k

Movement (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (n.) A system of mechanism for transmitting motion of a definite character,
or for transforming motion; as, the wheelwork of a watch. ...
/m/movement.htm - 7k

Wheelwork: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus