Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical times, axles were an essential component of chariots and carts, serving as the central shaft for rotating wheels. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of axles, their presence is implied in various passages that mention chariots and carts, which were common modes of transportation and instruments of war in ancient Israel and surrounding nations.
Biblical References:1.
Chariots in Warfare: The use of chariots in warfare is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. 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 passage implies the critical role of axles in maintaining the stability and functionality of chariots.
2.
Solomon's Chariots: King Solomon, known for his wealth and wisdom, amassed a significant number of chariots.
1 Kings 10:26 states, "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses." The construction and maintenance of such a large number of chariots would have necessitated a substantial supply of axles, highlighting their importance in the infrastructure of Solomon's reign.
3.
Symbol of Strength and Power: Chariots, and by extension their axles, often symbolized strength and military power. In
Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen." The reliance on chariots underscores the significance of axles as part of the military might.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the construction of chariots was a sophisticated craft. Axles were typically made from strong, durable wood, such as oak or ash, to withstand the stresses of movement and combat. The design and engineering of axles were crucial for the effectiveness of chariots, influencing their speed, maneuverability, and reliability.
The Israelites, like their neighbors, would have been familiar with the technology and use of axles in chariots. The Philistines, Egyptians, and Canaanites, all mentioned in the Bible, were known for their chariotry, which often posed a significant threat to the Israelites. The development and use of chariots, including their axles, were integral to the military strategies of these ancient civilizations.
Spiritual Significance:While axles themselves are not directly imbued with spiritual significance, the chariots they supported often serve as metaphors for human reliance on military might rather than divine providence. The biblical narrative frequently contrasts the trust in chariots and horses with faith in God. As seen in
Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God," the emphasis is placed on spiritual reliance over physical strength.
In summary, axles, though not explicitly detailed in the Bible, played a vital role in the transportation and military capabilities of ancient societies. Their presence is inferred through the numerous references to chariots, which were pivotal in both daily life and warfare. The biblical text often uses these elements to illustrate broader themes of trust, power, and divine sovereignty.
Strong's Hebrew
5633b. seren -- an axle... an axle. Transliteration: seren Short Definition:
axles. Word Origin of uncertain
derivation Definition an axle NASB Word Usage
axles (1). 5633a, 5633b.
...3027. yad -- hand
... 3), allegiance (1), allegiance* (1), along (1), alongside* (1), armpits* (1), arms
(5), around (2), assist (1), assuredly (2), authority (9),axles (2), bank (1...
Library
Priest and victim
... Theaxles of my human medium of conveyance are ready to snap when freighted with
such a load of infinite love and wisdom as comes to us in my short, full text...
The Great Reservoir
... "If" says he "we had the proper machinery for forcing the fluid, then all would
be well." No, sir; if the stream be poisonous you may haveaxles to turn on...
The Great Reservoir
... "If," says he, "we had the proper machinery for forcing the fluid, then all would
be well." No, sir, if the stream be poisonous, you may haveaxles to turn on...
Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
... God is "slow to anger." When Mercy cometh into the world, she driveth winged steeds;
theaxles of her chariot-wheels are glowing hot with speed; but when Wrath...
Not Now, but Hereafter!
... I know, when God comes to bless, theaxles of his chariot are hot with speed, and
his steeds are white with foam, and when he comes to curse he travels slowly...
Importance of Small Things in Religion
... your sins? Must he not have become as Amos hath it, like a cart that is
full of sheaves, theaxles whereof are ready to break? and...
A Question for Communicants
... That is not quite the meaning of what he said; it was, "Behold, I am coming quickly!"
He is on his way, his chariot is hurrying towards us theaxles of the...
A Revival Sermon
... Every man who goes there must go on crutches and limp all the way; but as for the
swift beasts, as for the chariots whoseaxles are hot with speed, we do not...
Israel at the Red Sea
... were not half so much to be dreaded as those soldier-sins, armed with spears and
axes, with chariots of iron with scythes upon theiraxles, hastening to...
The Best Friend
... the Glorified, for if ye will forsake this Friend, "Behold, he cometh!" Every hour
brings him nearer; the chariots of his glory have glowingaxles, and you may...
Thesaurus
Axles (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Axles (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:30 Every base
had four bronze wheels, and
axles of brass; and the four
...Wheels (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:30 Every base had four bronze wheels, andaxles of brass; and the four
feet of it had supports: beneath the basin were the supports molten, with...
Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 The four wheels were underneath the panels; and theaxles of the wheels
were in the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit....
Molten (41 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:30 Every base had four bronze wheels, andaxles of brass; and the four
feet of it had supports: beneath the basin were the supports molten, with...
Ax-head
Ax-head. Axhead, Ax-head.Axles . Int.... The Greek word used in the New Testament
is axine (Matthew 3:10 Luke 3:9). James A. Patch. Axhead, Ax-head.Axles...
Naves (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 7:33 The work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their
axles, and their rims, and their spokes, and their naves, were all molten....
Underneath (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 The four wheels were underneath the panels; and theaxles of the wheels
were in the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit....
Garland (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:30 And every base had four wheels of brass, andaxles of brass; and on
its four corners were shoulder-pieces: under the laver were shoulder-pieces...
Wreaths (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:30 Every base had four bronze wheels, andaxles of brass; and the four
feet of it had supports: beneath the basin were the supports molten, with...
Rims (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:33 The work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their
axles, and their rims, and their spokes, and their naves, were all molten....
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
