Topical Encyclopedia Cart-ropes are mentioned in the Bible as a metaphorical expression, primarily found in the book of Isaiah. The term refers to the ropes used to pull carts, which were essential for transportation and agricultural activities in ancient times. These ropes were typically made from strong materials to bear the weight and strain of the load they carried.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to cart-ropes is found in Isaiah 5:18, which states: "Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes." . In this passage, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of cart-ropes to illustrate the deliberate and burdensome manner in which the people of Judah were engaging in sin. The metaphor suggests that just as cart-ropes are used to pull heavy loads, the people were willingly and laboriously dragging their iniquities and sins with them. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the context of Isaiah 5:18, cart-ropes symbolize the strong and intentional commitment to sinful behavior. The imagery conveys the idea that the people were not merely stumbling into sin but were actively and persistently choosing to engage in it. The use of "cords of deceit" alongside "cart ropes" emphasizes the deceptive nature of their actions, suggesting that they were entangled in lies and falsehoods as they pursued their sinful desires. The metaphor of cart-ropes also implies a sense of inevitability and entrapment. Just as a cart cannot move without its ropes, the people were bound to their sins, unable to break free from the weight of their transgressions. This imagery serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of habitual sin and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, carts were a common means of transporting goods and agricultural produce. The ropes used to pull these carts were essential for their function, and their strength and durability were crucial for the successful movement of heavy loads. The use of cart-ropes in Isaiah's prophecy would have been a familiar image to his audience, making the metaphor all the more poignant and relatable. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the reference to cart-ropes in Isaiah underscores the seriousness of sin and the human propensity to become ensnared by it. It highlights the need for repentance and the turning away from sinful behaviors that weigh down the soul. The passage serves as a call to recognize the burdens of sin and to seek liberation through obedience to God's will and reliance on His grace. In summary, the biblical mention of cart-ropes in Isaiah 5:18 serves as a vivid metaphor for the deliberate and burdensome nature of sin. It calls believers to examine their own lives, to identify the "ropes" that may be binding them to iniquity, and to seek freedom through repentance and faithfulness to God. Library One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All Thesaurus Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence)Cart-ropes. Cart-rope, Cart-ropes. Carts . Multi-Version Concordance Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto ... /c/cart-ropes.htm - 6k Cart-rope (1 Occurrence) Carts (13 Occurrences) Ropes (32 Occurrences) Resources Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Obed-Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 5:18 Subtopics Related Terms |