In biblical times, the term "engine of war" refers to various mechanical devices and contraptions used in ancient warfare to besiege cities, defend fortifications, or gain a tactical advantage over enemies. These devices were crucial in the military strategies of ancient civilizations, including those mentioned in the Bible.

Biblical References:

The concept of engines of war is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of sieges and battles. One notable reference is found in 2 Chronicles 26:15, which describes the innovations of King Uzziah of Judah: "In Jerusalem he made engines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong" . This passage highlights the use of advanced military technology in the defense of Jerusalem, showcasing the ingenuity and strategic planning of the Israelites.

Historical Context:

During the biblical era, engines of war were primarily used in siege warfare. These devices included battering rams, catapults, and siege towers. Battering rams were used to break down the gates or walls of fortified cities, while catapults and other projectile-launching devices were employed to hurl stones or other missiles over walls to cause destruction or chaos within the city. Siege towers allowed attackers to scale walls and breach defenses.

The development and use of these engines required significant knowledge of engineering and craftsmanship. Skilled artisans and engineers were often employed to design and construct these devices, as seen in the account of King Uzziah, who utilized "skillful men" for this purpose.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of engines of war in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of human reliance on technology and military might versus reliance on God. While the Israelites, like other nations, employed military technology to defend themselves and conquer enemies, the biblical narrative often emphasizes that ultimate victory and security come from God rather than human ingenuity or strength.

For instance, 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 verse underscores the biblical principle that faith in God should supersede reliance on military power or technological advancements.

Cultural Significance:

The use of engines of war in biblical times also reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where warfare was a common aspect of life. The ability to construct and effectively use such devices was a mark of a nation's strength and technological advancement. The biblical accounts of warfare, including the use of engines, provide insight into the military practices and innovations of the time.

In summary, engines of war in the Bible represent the intersection of human ingenuity, military strategy, and divine providence. They serve as a reminder of the complexities of ancient warfare and the enduring biblical theme of trusting in God's power above all else.2 Chronicles 26:15
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and on the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 26:9
And he shall set engines of war against your walls, and with his axes he shall break down your towers.
Nave's Topical Index

6904. qebol -- something in front, a military siege engine
... Word Origin from qabal Definition something in front, a military siege engine
NASB Word Usage battering rams (1), before (1). war. ...
/hebrew/6904.htm - 6k

A Discourse On
... Shafts of lightning shall fly with true aim, and from the clouds, as from a
well-drawn bow, shall they leap to the mark; and as from an engine of war shall ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... the fleet rather than the army which was the object of concern, though under
Nebuchadrezzar and his successors the army also became an important engine of war. ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... and the whole crew made the greatest exertions to repair the engine, and when ... will
have her broadside on Finisterre, where the strongest man-of-war ever built ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 16.htm

San Josef
... are at work in it: but only a few; for the strength of the hands is away
at the engine-house, making ... These races are constantly at war with each other. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

A Peal of Bells
... The day is to come when, not only war and the states shall be consecrated to ... the
bells upon the horses and the shrill scream of the steam-engine should still be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a peal of bells.htm

The Timeliness of Prayer
... adversity[4] that we are driven to bring the great two-handed engine of prayer ... cast
into unspeakable anxiety by the indirect effects of such a war upon mind or ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter iv the timeliness of.htm

The Missing Factor in Current Theories
... lever, wheel, has something to do with the work of that engine, everything about ...
and is ultimately known in the modern world under the names of War and Industry ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/ii the missing factor in.htm

How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... 4. But when the battering-engine was brought near, the greatest of the towers ... Jews
in the country from giving Aristobulus any assistance in his war against him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how pompey when.htm

Time Changes Nations' Dresses --And Fortunes.
... a beam-like engine it is, which does military service in battering walls"never before
poised by any, the redoubted Carthage,. "Keenest in pursuits of war," [9 ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter i time changes nations dressesand.htm

Striking Similes
... Like an eagle dallying with the wind. Like an engine of dread war, he set
his shoulder to the mountain-side. Like an enraged tiger. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

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