Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, carts were essential vehicles used for transportation and various practical purposes. They are mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, serving as a means to carry goods, people, and even sacred objects. The construction and use of carts reflect the technological and cultural practices of ancient societies in the biblical narrative.
Old Testament ReferencesCarts are first mentioned in the context of transporting the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In
Numbers 7:3-9, the leaders of Israel brought offerings, including six covered carts and twelve oxen, to assist the Levites in carrying the Tabernacle. The carts were distributed among the Levites according to their duties: "Two carts and four oxen he gave to the Gershonites, as their service required, and four carts and eight oxen he gave to the Merarites, as their service required, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest" (
Numbers 7:7-8).
The use of carts is also noted in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. In
1 Samuel 6, the Philistines, after capturing the Ark, decided to return it to Israel on a new cart pulled by two cows. This method of transport was not in accordance with the prescribed manner given to the Israelites, which required the Ark to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites (
Exodus 25:14). The incident highlights the importance of following divine instructions in handling sacred objects.
In
2 Samuel 6:3, David initially attempted to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem on a new cart, similar to the Philistine method. However, this resulted in the death of Uzzah when he touched the Ark to steady it. This event underscored the necessity of adhering to God's commands regarding the Ark's transport.
Symbolic and Practical UsesCarts were not only practical but also held symbolic significance. In
Isaiah 5:18, the prophet uses the imagery of a cart to describe the burden of sin: "Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes" . This metaphor illustrates the weight and entanglement of sin in one's life.
In a more practical sense, carts were used in agriculture and trade. They facilitated the movement of produce and goods, contributing to the economic activities of the time. The construction of carts varied, but they typically consisted of a wooden frame with wheels, pulled by animals such as oxen or donkeys.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe use of carts in biblical times reflects the technological advancements and cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern societies. Carts were a common sight in the agrarian and trade-based economies of the region. Their presence in the biblical narrative provides insight into the daily life and logistical challenges faced by the people of that era.
Overall, carts in the Bible serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions, the burden of sin, and the practical needs of ancient societies. They are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people in biblical times, as well as a symbol of the spiritual lessons conveyed through their use.
ATS Bible Dictionary
CartsOr wagons were used in Palestine formerly, though now almost unknown. The roads are generally impassable by any wheeled vehicle; and the chief use of the cart was on a limited scale for agricultural purposes, such as forcing the ripe grain out of the ear, bruising the straw, removing the produce of the fields, etc.,Isaiah 5:18; 28:27,28. Wagons were used to carry Israel into Egypt, and for the conveyance of the ark,Genesis 45:27;Numbers 7:3-9. They were often drawn by heifers, etc.,1 Samuel 6:7, and were usually low, and on solid wooden wheels, sometimes iron-shod.
Strong's Hebrew
5699. agalah -- a cart... Word Origin from the same as egel Definition a cart NASB Word Usage cart (14),
carts (4), cartwheel (1), chariots (1), wagon (1), wagons (4).
...Library
Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900)
... Many were the difficulties in the way of gettingcarts and other necessary things
for the journey, but one by one all things needed were provided as we...
San Josef
... The men are hewing down the giant grass with cutlasses; the women stripping off
the leaves, and then piling the cane incarts drawn by mules, the leaders of...
A Long Twilight. AD 900-1100.
... They carried with them cattle andcarts containing their plunder. At night
they placed theircarts in a circle, lit watch-fires, and...
The Big Road
... cartloads of tobacco and paper from the large cities in the south of the province,
and caravans of travellers; whole families packed into largecarts moving to...
Mission Tours.
... These goods of the moving household are laden and forwarded oncarts called
Hackeries, drawn by oxen....Carts and oxen are always in the open....
A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... As my husband walked beside thecarts, that morning, he felt led to pray that
the Lord would give that section of Honan to him as his field....
The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... The greater part of the inhabitants always travel on foot. The place ofcarts is
supplied by men called 'coolies,' whose employment is to carry burdens....
False Civilization
... these Rechabites, at least, had horses"as many Arab tribes have now"and whether
they rode them, or used them to draw their goods about incarts, like many...
The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin...
... camels, with horses trained for the race; troops of rich men with armed retainers;
hunters bringing wild beasts in cages lashed upon heavycarts; squads of...
The Draw Net Let Down into the Sea
... little short of five hundred. They came long distances on donkey-back, in
carts, or even walking many miles. Large numbers of heathen...
Thesaurus
Carts (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Carts (13 Occurrences). Genesis 45:19 And say
to them, This you are to do: take
carts from the land of
...Cart (12 Occurrences)
... It is used also to denote a war-chariot (Psalm 46:9).Carts were used for the removal
of the ark and its sacred utensils (Numbers 7:3, 6). After retaining the...
Ring (33 Occurrences)
... had a view of the place where Saul was sleeping with Abner, the son of Ner, the
captain of his army: and Saul was sleeping inside the ring ofcarts, and the...
Overflow (43 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 65:11 You crown the year with your bounty. Yourcarts overflow
with abundance. (WEB NIV). Psalms 65:12 The wilderness grasslands overflow....
Lines (42 Occurrences)
... the morning, and, giving the sheep into the care of a keeper, took the things and
went as Jesse had said; and he came to the lines where thecarts were, when...
Litter (1 Occurrence)
... In Numbers 7:3, the words "covered wagons" are more literally "carts of the litter
kind." There they denote large and commodious vehicles drawn by oxen, and...
Wagons (14 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 66:20 And they will take your countrymen out of all the nations for an offering
to the Lord, on horses, and in carriages, and incarts, and on asses...
War-cry (5 Occurrences)
... the morning, and, giving the sheep into the care of a keeper, took the things and
went as Jesse had said; and he came to the lines where thecarts were, when...
Tracks (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tracks (6 Occurrences). Psalms 65:11 You crown the year
with your bounty. Yourcarts overflow with abundance. (See RSV)....
Drip (12 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 65:11 You crown the year with your bounty. Yourcarts overflow
with abundance. (See NAS RSV). Psalms 65:12 The wilderness grasslands overflow....
Resources
Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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