Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of the "wheel" is often employed figuratively to convey various spiritual truths and divine principles. The imagery of the wheel is rich with symbolism, reflecting themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the cyclical nature of life and history.Divine Sovereignty and Providence One of the most profound uses of the wheel in a figurative sense is found in the vision of the prophet Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1:15-21, the prophet describes a vision of wheels within wheels, accompanied by living creatures. The wheels are full of eyes, symbolizing the omniscience and omnipresence of God. The intricate and interlocking nature of the wheels suggests the complexity and perfection of God's providential plan. The wheels move in perfect harmony, directed by the Spirit, illustrating the divine orchestration of events in the world. This vision underscores the belief in God's ultimate control over the universe, where nothing occurs outside His sovereign will. Judgment and Retribution The wheel is also a symbol of judgment and retribution. In Proverbs 20:26, it is written, "A wise king winnows out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them." Here, the wheel is associated with the process of threshing, a method used to separate grain from chaff. This imagery conveys the idea of divine judgment, where the wicked are separated and punished. The wheel, in this context, represents the inevitable and righteous judgment of God upon those who oppose His will. Cyclical Nature of Life and History The wheel can also symbolize the cyclical nature of life and history, reflecting the biblical understanding of time and events. Ecclesiastes 1:9 states, "What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." This passage, while not directly mentioning a wheel, evokes the idea of cycles and repetition, akin to the turning of a wheel. The wheel's continuous motion serves as a metaphor for the repetitive patterns observed in human history and the natural world, emphasizing the constancy of God's order amidst human transience. Transformation and Renewal In a more positive light, the wheel can symbolize transformation and renewal. The potter's wheel, as mentioned in Jeremiah 18:3-4, is a powerful image of God's creative and redemptive work. "So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the vessel he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hand; so the potter formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best to him." Here, the wheel is a tool in the hands of the potter, representing God's ability to reshape and renew His people. This imagery highlights the theme of repentance and divine grace, where God, as the master potter, molds and transforms believers into vessels of honor. In summary, the figurative use of the wheel in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, the cyclical nature of life, and the transformative power of God. Through these rich and varied images, the wheel serves as a profound symbol of God's interaction with the world and His people. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 20:26A wise king scatters the wicked, and brings the wheel over them. Nave's Topical Index Ecclesiastes 12:6 Library The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers. The Potter and the Clay Stillness in Storm The Royal Marriage Feast. Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews. City of God Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What are practical ways to depend on God alone? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org Wheel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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