The concept of machines, as understood in the modern sense, does not appear explicitly in the Bible. However, the Bible does reference various tools and devices that can be considered primitive machines or precursors to more complex machinery. These references provide insight into the technological capabilities and innovations of ancient societies within the biblical narrative.

Biblical References and Context

1. Tools and Implements: The Bible frequently mentions tools and implements used for agriculture, construction, and warfare. For example, in Genesis 4:22, Tubal-Cain is described as "a forger of every implement of bronze and iron." This indicates the early use of metalworking, which is foundational for the development of more complex machines.

2. Construction and Engineering: The construction of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the building of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6) demonstrate advanced engineering skills. While not machines in the modern sense, the use of levers, pulleys, and other simple machines would have been necessary for such large-scale projects.

3. Water Systems: The Bible also references water systems that required mechanical ingenuity. In 2 Kings 20:20, Hezekiah's tunnel is mentioned, which was an impressive feat of engineering designed to bring water into Jerusalem. This reflects the use of technology to solve practical problems.

4. Military Technology: The Bible describes various military technologies that involve mechanical principles. For instance, in 2 Chronicles 26:15, King Uzziah is credited with inventing machines designed for warfare: "In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men to be set on the towers and corners to shoot arrows and hurl large stones." This suggests the use of catapults or similar devices.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of machines and technology in the Bible can be seen as part of humanity's God-given mandate to exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28). The development and use of technology reflect human creativity and the ability to harness creation for beneficial purposes. However, the Bible also warns against the potential for technology to be used for prideful or destructive ends, as seen in the account of the Tower of Babel.

Wisdom and Innovation

The Bible often associates wisdom with the ability to create and innovate. In Exodus 31:3-5, God fills Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to craft the Tabernacle's furnishings. This divine endowment of skill underscores the belief that technological and artistic abilities are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory.

Ethical Considerations

While the Bible does not address modern machines directly, it provides principles for their ethical use. Believers are called to use technology in ways that honor God and serve others, avoiding idolatry and the exploitation of creation. The biblical call to stewardship (Genesis 2:15) implies a responsibility to use machines and technology wisely and sustainably.

In summary, while the Bible does not mention machines as we know them today, it provides a framework for understanding the role of technology in human life. Through biblical narratives and principles, believers are encouraged to view machines as tools that can be used for good, reflecting God's creative nature and contributing to human flourishing.

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... CHAPTER 8. How Caesar Raised Banks Round About The Upper City [Mount Zion] And When
They Were Completed, Gave Orders That The Machines Should Be Brought. ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

How to Work God's Joy-Machine
... So they walked over to the side of the room where two machines were standing
side by side. ... "Take another lesson from those machines yonder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-five how to work.htm

The Siege and Taking of Gamala.
... were finished, which was done on the sudden, both by the multitude of hands, and
by their being accustomed to such work, they brought the machines; but Chares ...
/.../chapter 1 the siege and.htm

Those in Thebais.
... Women were bound by one foot and raised aloft in the air by machines, and with their
bodies altogether bare and uncovered, presented to all beholders this most ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix those in thebais.htm

It is Time to Describe the Great and Celebrated Spectacle of ...
... First, by all kinds of torture, through the invention of strange and various
machines, he tested the invincible constancy of the Egyptians. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter xi it is time.htm

Renewal of Hostilities Between the Romans and Persians after the ...
... Romans shut up the Persians in the city of Nisibis, which they besieged; and having
constructed wooden towers which they advanced by means of machines to the ...
/.../chapter xviii renewal of hostilities between.htm

Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ...
... and formed themselves into one body; they then ran round the walls, and having a
vast number of torches with them, they threw them at the machines, and shot ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning the tyrants.htm

Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ...
... The other machines that were now got ready were like to those that had been first
devised by Vespasian, and afterwards by Titus, for sieges. ...
/.../chapter 8 concerning masada and.htm

Now this Masculine Love of an Open and Level Camaraderie is the ...
... The Frame-Breaking Rioters were right; not perhaps in thinking that machines would
make fewer men workmen; but certainly in thinking that machines would make ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 14 now this masculine.htm

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You ...
... The new linotype machines are beautiful specimens of invention, but I know six men
who have killed themselves inside of the year just on account of those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter one for hereunto were.htm

Machines (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Machines (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 26:15 And
in Jerusalem he made machines, the invention of expert ...
/m/machines.htm - 6k

Machine (2 Occurrences)

/m/machine.htm - 8k

Machir (20 Occurrences)

/m/machir.htm - 16k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... service; the state of being so employed or applied; application; employment; conversion
to some purpose; as, the use of a pen in writing; his machines are in ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Garden (68 Occurrences)
... of vegetation depends upon the water supply, brought in canals from streams, or
raised from wells by more or less crude lifting machines (compare Numbers 24:7 ...
/g/garden.htm - 38k

Wedge (3 Occurrences)
... like. It is one of the six elementary machines called the mechanical powers.
See Illust. of Mechanical powers, under Mechanical. ...
/w/wedge.htm - 10k

Invention (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 And in Jerusalem he made machines, the invention of expert men,
to be placed on the towers and angles of the walls for sending arrows and ...
/i/invention.htm - 8k

Feed (117 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To produce progressive operation upon or with (as in wood and metal working
machines, so that the work moves to the cutting tool, or the tool to the ...
/f/feed.htm - 39k

Frame (33 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) A term applied, especially in England, to certain machines built upon or
within framework; as, a stocking frame; lace frame; spinning frame, etc. 19. ...
/f/frame.htm - 19k

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