Axletrees, also known as axles, are a component of wheeled vehicles, serving as the central shaft for rotating wheels. In biblical times, axletrees were crucial for the construction and function of chariots and carts, which were essential for transportation, trade, and warfare.

Biblical References:

The term "axletree" is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible; however, the concept is implicitly present in descriptions of chariots and carts. For instance, in 1 Kings 7:32-33, the construction of Solomon's temple includes detailed descriptions of the wheels and their axles: "Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and its four feet had supports with castings on each side of the basin."

The importance of chariots in ancient Israel and surrounding nations is evident throughout the Old Testament. Chariots were a symbol of military strength and technological advancement. In Exodus 14:25, during the pursuit of the Israelites, the Lord intervenes by causing the wheels of the Egyptian chariots to swerve, hindering their progress: "He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, making them drive with difficulty. 'Let us flee from the Israelites,' said the Egyptians, 'for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.'"

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, the development of the chariot was a significant technological advancement. Chariots were typically drawn by horses and used in battle, hunting, and ceremonial processions. The construction of a chariot required skilled craftsmanship, particularly in the making of wheels and axletrees, which had to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of use.

The axletree was typically made of wood, often reinforced with metal to increase durability. The wheels were attached to the axletree, allowing them to rotate and bear the weight of the chariot or cart. The design and materials used in axletrees varied depending on the specific needs and resources of the time and region.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In a theological context, the chariot, and by extension its components like the axletree, often symbolize power and divine intervention. The chariots of God are mentioned in Psalm 68:17: "The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai."

The reliance on chariots and horses is also contrasted with trust in God. In Psalm 20:7, the psalmist declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This highlights the biblical theme of reliance on divine power over human military might.

Conclusion:

While the specific term "axletree" may not appear frequently in biblical texts, its role in the construction and function of chariots underscores its importance in the historical and cultural context of the Bible. The use of chariots, facilitated by components like axletrees, serves as a backdrop for numerous biblical narratives, illustrating themes of power, divine intervention, and faith.

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... on each side with garlands hanging in festoons, literally, "garlands, pensile work."
Each base had brasen wheels attached, with brasen axletrees, and brackets ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Axletrees (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Axletrees (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:32 And under
the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the ...
/a/axletrees.htm - 7k

Workmanship (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel; their
axletrees, and their felloes, and their spokes, and their naves, were all ...
/w/workmanship.htm - 11k

Felloes (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their
axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all ...
/f/felloes.htm - 6k

Fellies (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their
axletrees, and their naves, and their fellies, and their spokes, were all ...
/f/fellies.htm - 6k

Axle-tree
Axle-tree. Axletree, Axle-tree. Axletrees . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AXLE-TREE. ... See SEA, thE MOLTEN. Axletree, Axle-tree. Axletrees . Reference ...
/a/axle-tree.htm - 6k

Aye (3 Occurrences)

/a/aye.htm - 7k

Borders (104 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels
were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a ...
/b/borders.htm - 40k

Joined (146 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels
were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a ...
/j/joined.htm - 36k

Hight (48 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:32 And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels
were joined to the base: and the hight of a wheel was a cubit and half a ...
/h/hight.htm - 22k

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