Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WHEEL

The chariot wheels (Heb. ʾôpan) described in the Bible are of a fully developed form made from cast axles, rims, spokes, and hubs (1 Kgs. 7:33). Other types also existed, and archaeological evidence shows a degree of experimentation in Near Eastern countries indicating a local development from the bulky, solid wooden disc-wheel that was attached to the axle with the whole contraption turning as one, to the crossbar wheel which then developed into the spoked wheel able to turn on its axle. This development created a lighter wheel enabling greater vehicular maneuverability. The manufacture of these items required a large number of craftsmen with many skills: leatherworkers, metalworkers, chariotmakers, carpenters, and wheelwrights.

The wheel, however, was not used only in vehicles. Biblical references indicate that it was part of a mechanical device employed to move the 10 laver stands in Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs. 7:30, 32-33), as a potter’s wheel (Jer. 18:3), in the pulley system used to draw water from cisterns (galgal; Eccl. 12:6), and in threshing grain (Isa. 28:27-28). The wheel is also used symbolically. Rumbling chariot wheels represent images of battle (Nah. 3:2) and of God’s judgment over the Philistines (Jer. 47:3), wheels of burning fire carry the throne of the Ancient One (Dan. 7:9), and Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne features four crystalline-eyed wheels (Ezek. 1:15-21).

Katharine A. Mackay

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WHEEL

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)