Transporters in biblical times were essential for the movement of people, goods, and animals across the varied landscapes of the ancient Near East. The Bible provides numerous references to different modes of transportation, reflecting the cultural and technological context of the times.

1. Animals as Transporters:

Animals were the primary means of transportation in biblical times. The most commonly mentioned animals include:

· Donkeys: Donkeys were widely used for carrying loads and people. They are frequently mentioned in the Bible as beasts of burden. For instance, Abraham used donkeys to carry supplies for his journey (Genesis 22:3). Donkeys were also used by prophets and leaders, as seen when Balaam rode a donkey (Numbers 22:21-22).

· Camels: Camels were vital for long-distance travel, especially in desert regions. They are often associated with wealth and trade. The account of Rebekah's journey to meet Isaac involves camels (Genesis 24:10-64), highlighting their role in transporting people and goods.

· Horses: Horses were primarily used in warfare and by royalty. They are mentioned in the context of chariots and military might, as seen in the accounts of Solomon's stables (1 Kings 10:26) and the Egyptian army pursuing the Israelites (Exodus 14:9).

2. Human-Powered Transport:

· Walking: Walking was the most common mode of transportation for ordinary people. Many biblical narratives involve journeys made on foot, such as Jesus and His disciples traveling throughout Galilee and Judea (Matthew 4:18).

· Carrying Loads: People often carried goods on their heads or backs. This is illustrated in the account of the Gibeonites, who carried worn-out sacks and wineskins to deceive Joshua (Joshua 9:4).

3. Wheeled Transport:

· Chariots: Chariots were a symbol of power and were used in battle and ceremonial occasions. Pharaoh's chariots are famously mentioned in the pursuit of the Israelites (Exodus 14:7). Chariots were also used by kings and high-ranking officials, as seen in the account of Joseph, who rode in a chariot as second-in-command in Egypt (Genesis 41:43).

· Carts: Carts were used for transporting goods and sometimes people. The Ark of the Covenant was transported on a new cart when it was brought from the house of Abinadab (1 Samuel 6:7).

4. Water Transport:

· Boats and Ships: Water transport was crucial for trade and travel across bodies of water. The Sea of Galilee was a significant location for Jesus' ministry, where He often traveled by boat (Mark 4:1). Larger ships were used for longer journeys, such as Paul's voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1-2).

5. Symbolic and Prophetic Transport:

Transporters also appear in symbolic and prophetic contexts. For example, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). This event underscores the divine intervention and miraculous nature of certain biblical narratives.

In summary, transporters in the Bible reflect the historical and cultural realities of the ancient world, serving practical, symbolic, and prophetic purposes. They illustrate the movement of God's people and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout biblical history.5449. sabbal -- burden bearer
... Word Origin from sabal Definition burden bearer NASB Word Usage burden bearers
(2), carry loads (2), transporters* (1). to bear, bearer of burdens. ...
/hebrew/5449.htm - 6k

5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take
... 1), supported (1), sustain (2), swore* (12), sworn* (2), take (49), take away (1),
taken (7), takes (3), took (37), towers (1), transporters* (1), upheaved (1 ...
/hebrew/5375.htm - 8k

Transporters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Transporters (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 5:15 Then he
had seventy thousand for the work of transport, and eighty ...
/t/transporters.htm - 6k

Trap (35 Occurrences)

/t/trap.htm - 19k

Transported (2 Occurrences)

/t/transported.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus