Topical Encyclopedia
Chariot-wheels hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing both the might of ancient armies and the divine intervention of God in the affairs of His people. In the ancient Near East, chariots were a primary military asset, and their wheels were crucial for mobility and effectiveness in battle.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 14:25 · One of the most notable mentions of chariot-wheels is found in the account of the Israelites' escape from Egypt. As Pharaoh's army pursued the Israelites through the parted Red Sea, the Lord intervened: "He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty. 'Let us flee from the Israelites,' said the Egyptians, 'for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.'" . This divine act of hindering the Egyptian chariots underscores God's protection over His chosen people and His power over the mightiest of earthly forces.
2.
1 Kings 7:32-33 · Chariot-wheels are also mentioned in the context of Solomon's Temple, where they are part of the elaborate design of the bronze stands: "Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and each had a basin resting on four supports, with wreaths at each side." . This description highlights the craftsmanship and the importance of chariot imagery in the cultural and religious life of Israel.
3.
Isaiah 5:28 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of chariot-wheels to describe the swiftness and power of an invading army: "Their arrows are sharp, and all their bows are strung; their horses’ hooves are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind." . This vivid imagery serves as a warning of impending judgment and the unstoppable nature of God's ordained events.
Symbolism and Significance:Chariot-wheels in the Bible often symbolize strength, speed, and the technological advancement of ancient warfare. They are a testament to the military prowess of nations like Egypt and Assyria, who relied heavily on chariots for their campaigns. However, the biblical narrative frequently juxtaposes this human strength with the superior power of God, who can render such might ineffective, as seen in the Exodus account.
In a broader theological context, chariot-wheels can be seen as a metaphor for the futility of relying on human strength and technology in opposition to God's will. The biblical accounts serve as reminders that no matter how advanced or powerful human inventions may be, they are ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God.
Cultural Context:In the ancient world, chariots were not only instruments of war but also symbols of status and power. The construction and maintenance of chariots required significant resources, and their use in battle was a demonstration of a nation's military capability. The biblical references to chariot-wheels reflect this cultural reality, while also emphasizing the divine narrative that transcends human history.
Chariot-wheels, therefore, are more than mere components of ancient vehicles; they are emblematic of the tension between human ambition and divine authority, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.
Library
The Triumphal Procession
... I. First then, let us look at that thought of all Christians being in the truest
sense conquered captives, bound to thechariot wheels of One who has overcome...
A Path in the Sea
... And took off theirchariot-wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians
said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for...
God's Providence
... The story goes, that a certain king being taken prisoner, was bound in chains,
and dragged along at thechariot wheels of his conqueror....
Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... Can you hear the ring of angelic clarions, as with dyed garments from Bozrah the
Yictor returns from the battle, dragging death and hell at hischariot wheels?...
23D DAY. A Speedy Coming.
... Stand oftentimes on the watchtower to catch the first streak of that coming
brightness, the first murmur of thesechariot wheels....
True Prayer --True Power!
... And have we not to lament that sometimes thechariot-wheels are taken off,
and we drive right heavily when we are in supplication?...
The Comforter
... should ascend up on high, that he might lead captivity captive; that he might chain
the fiends of hell; that he might lash them to hischariot wheels, and drag...
Mr. Fearing Comforted
... TT SEEMS AS if doubt were doomed to be the perpetual companion of faith. As dust
attends thechariotwheels so do doubts naturally becloud faith....
Following the Cloud.
... from the cloud and troubled the Egyptians. Theirchariot wheels came off,
and all went wrong with them. At last the Lord told Moses...
The Decalogue: I --Man and God
... The flashing flames which ran as swift heralds before His descendingchariot wheels,
the quaking mountain, the long-drawn blasts of the trumpet, awed the...
Thesaurus
Chariot-wheels (1 Occurrence)Chariot-
wheels. Chariots,
Chariot-
wheels. Charitable . Multi-Version
Concordance
Chariot-
wheels (1 Occurrence). Exodus
...Wheels (30 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 He took off theirchariotwheels, and they drove them heavily; so that
the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights...
Fighteth (23 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 And took off theirchariotwheels, that they drave them heavily: so
that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD...
Fights (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 He took off theirchariotwheels, and they drove them heavily; so that
the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights...
Difficulty (12 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 And he took off theirchariotwheels, and caused them to drive with
difficulty; and the Egyptians said, Let us flee before Israel, for Jehovah is...
Drave (13 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 And took off theirchariotwheels, that they drave them heavily: so
that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD...
Clogging (1 Occurrence)
... Exodus 14:25 He took off theirchariotwheels, and they drove them heavily; so that
the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights...
Charitable (2 Occurrences)
Swerve (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 He took off theirchariotwheels, and they drove them heavily; so that
the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights...
Drove (89 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:25 He took off theirchariotwheels, and they drove them heavily; so that
the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights...
Resources
What are the ophanim? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.orgWho was the Ethiopian eunuch? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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