Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "waggons" refer to vehicles used for transportation, typically drawn by animals such as oxen. These were essential for carrying goods, people, and supplies across the varied terrains of the ancient Near East. The use of waggons is mentioned in several passages, highlighting their importance in the daily life and significant events of biblical times.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 45:19, 21, 27 · The most notable mention of waggons occurs in the account of Joseph. After Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers in Egypt, Pharaoh instructs them to take waggons from Egypt to transport their father Jacob and their families back to Egypt. "You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some waggons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back.’" (
Genesis 45:19). The waggons serve as a symbol of Pharaoh's favor and the abundance of Egypt, as well as a practical means to facilitate the relocation of Jacob's family.
2.
Numbers 7:3-8 · Waggons are also mentioned in the context of the offerings made by the leaders of Israel for the service of the Tabernacle. "They brought as their offering before the LORD six covered waggons and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a waggon from every two leaders. They presented them before the tabernacle." (
Numbers 7:3). These waggons were used to transport the Tabernacle and its furnishings as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The distribution of the waggons among the Levites was according to their duties, with the sons of Gershon and Merari receiving them for their specific tasks.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient times, waggons were a vital part of transportation and logistics. Constructed primarily of wood, they were designed to carry heavy loads over long distances. The use of waggons in the Bible reflects the agrarian and nomadic lifestyle of the people, where moving large families, livestock, and goods was a common necessity.
The mention of waggons in the biblical narrative underscores the practical aspects of life in biblical times, as well as the divine provision and organization within the community of Israel. The allocation of waggons for the Tabernacle's service illustrates the structured approach to worship and the importance of maintaining the sacred space as the Israelites traveled.
Symbolic Significance:Waggons in the Bible can also be seen as symbols of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. In the account of Joseph, the waggons sent by Pharaoh not only provided a means of transport but also represented the abundance and prosperity that awaited Jacob's family in Egypt. This act of sending waggons was a tangible expression of the reconciliation and restoration of Joseph's family, orchestrated by God's sovereign plan.
Overall, waggons in the biblical text serve as a reminder of the practical and providential aspects of God's interaction with His people, facilitating their journey and fulfilling His purposes through seemingly ordinary means.
Library
The Hussites (Ad 1418-1431)
... He taught his soldiers to make their flails very dangerous weapons by tipping them
with iron; and to place theirwaggons together in such a way that each block...
Of the Expedition of Valens against the Goths and How He Paid the...
... march of eight miles under the hot sun of August came in sight of the barbarian
vanguard, behind which stretched the circling line of thewaggons that guarded...
Good News
... that Joseph was still alive; the news, that he was, under Pharaoh, ruler over all
Egypt, seemed too good to be true; but when he saw thewaggons which Joseph...
Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... to both sides. As the fiery Ziska swept the land with hiswaggons, this
Apostle of peace was sick with horror. "Where," he asked...
Joseph and his Brethren.
... Jacob could not at first believe the good news his sons brought; but when he saw
thewaggons which Joseph had sent to carry him and the little ones, he said...
Preface. Reason for a New Work
... barbarous character. The fiercest nations inhabit it, if indeed it can
be called habitation, when life is passed inwaggons. They...
Letter ccxxxii. To Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.
... Greek is a kind of covered carriage, and the cognate adj. lampenikos is
used for the coveredwaggons of Numbers 7:3 in the LXX....
How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More...
... And as he promised them this beforehand, so he did not break his word with them,
but got ready a thousandwaggons, that were to bring stones for the building...
Heaven's Nurse Children
... them he also called." This call is like Joseph's invitation to his venerable father
to come and see him: it was accompanied by thewaggons in which the old man...
Wary Walking.
... Some of you are blocking God's highway with thewaggons of worldly commerce,
others with the gay chariot of frivolous pleasure....
Thesaurus
Waggons (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Waggons (9 Occurrences).
... And he saw the
waggons that Joseph
had sent to carry him. And the spirit of Jacob their father revived.
...Merarites (7 Occurrences)
... In the distribution of the oxen andwaggons offered by the princes (Numbers 7),
Moses gave twice as many to the Merarites (fourwaggons and eight oxen) as he...
Waggon (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 7:3 and they brought their offering before Jehovah, six coveredwaggons,
and twelve oxen; a waggon for two princes, and an ox for each; and they...
Infants (71 Occurrences)
... Genesis 45:19 Yea, thou -- thou hast been commanded: this do ye, take for yourselves
out of the land of Egypt,waggons for your infants, and for your wives...
Waging (6 Occurrences)
Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Genesis 45:21 And the sons of Israel do so, and Joseph givethwaggons to them by
the command of Pharaoh, and he giveth to them provision for the way; (YLT)....
Riseth (165 Occurrences)
... 46:5 And Jacob riseth from Beer-Sheba, and the sons of Israel bear away Jacob their
father, And their infants, and their wives, in thewaggons which Pharaoh...
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