Cart-wheels, as referenced in the Bible, are components of carts or wagons used primarily for transportation and agricultural purposes in ancient times. These wheels were typically made of wood and were essential for the movement of goods, people, and produce across the varied terrains of the biblical lands.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 28:27-28 : "For caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; but caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. Grain for bread must be ground, but it is not endlessly threshed; though the wheels of the cart roll over it, the horses do not crush it." This passage highlights the use of cart-wheels in the agricultural process, emphasizing their role in threshing and processing grain. The imagery suggests a methodical and careful approach to agriculture, where the cart-wheels are part of a larger system of tools and techniques.

2. Ezekiel 1:15-21 : While not directly mentioning cart-wheels, this passage describes the vision of wheels within wheels, which has been interpreted by some scholars as a symbolic representation of divine movement and presence. The complexity and interlocking nature of these wheels may draw a parallel to the functional and practical design of cart-wheels, which were crucial for the efficient operation of carts.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel and surrounding regions, carts were vital for daily life. They were used to transport goods to market, carry harvests from the fields, and move families and their belongings. The construction of cart-wheels required skilled craftsmanship, as they needed to be sturdy enough to withstand rough roads and heavy loads. Typically, these wheels were made from strong, durable wood, often reinforced with metal bands to increase their longevity and effectiveness.

The design of cart-wheels in biblical times was relatively simple, yet effective. They were usually solid or spoked, depending on the specific use and the resources available. The simplicity of their design belied their importance in the economic and social activities of the time.

Symbolic Significance:

Cart-wheels, while primarily functional, also carry symbolic weight in biblical literature. They can represent progress, movement, and the passage of time. In prophetic literature, such as the vision in Ezekiel, wheels can symbolize the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, suggesting that just as wheels enable movement and direction, so too does God guide and direct the course of history.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of cart-wheels in the Bible can be seen as a reminder of God's provision and the interconnectedness of creation. The agricultural references in Isaiah, for instance, underscore the divine order and wisdom inherent in creation, where each element, including the humble cart-wheel, plays a role in sustaining life and community.

In summary, cart-wheels in the Bible serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient peoples, while also offering deeper symbolic and theological insights into the nature of God's interaction with the world.

Isaiah's Discourse
... Is bread corn crushed? Nay, he will not ever be threshing it, and driving his
cart wheels and his horses over it; he doth not crush it. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv isaiahs discourse.htm

Man's Life his Monument.
... As the Archbishop passed in stately procession to the Cathedral, some jeered him,
and one jester had chalked white cartwheels on all the walls on either side ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxviii mans life his.htm

Cart-wheels (1 Occurrence)
Cart-wheels. Cartwheel, Cart-wheels. Carve . Multi-Version Concordance
Cart-wheels (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 28:28 Is the grain for bread crushed? ...
/c/cart-wheels.htm - 6k

Carve (1 Occurrence)

/c/carve.htm - 8k

Wheels (30 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:28 Is the grain for bread crushed? He does not go on crushing it for ever,
but he lets his cart-wheels and his horses go over it without crushing it. ...
/w/wheels.htm - 16k

Cartwheel (1 Occurrence)

/c/cartwheel.htm - 6k

Lets (31 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:28 Is the grain for bread crushed? He does not go on crushing it for ever,
but he lets his cart-wheels and his horses go over it without crushing it. ...
/l/lets.htm - 14k

Damage (57 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:28 Is the grain for bread crushed? He does not go on crushing it for ever,
but he lets his cart-wheels and his horses go over it without crushing it. ...
/d/damage.htm - 26k

Crushing (93 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:28 Is the grain for bread crushed? He does not go on crushing it for ever,
but he lets his cart-wheels and his horses go over it without crushing it. ...
/c/crushing.htm - 35k

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