Wagon
“Agalah, from agal 'to roll,' indicating a wheeled vehicle”
Summary
Wagons were wheeled vehicles used in ancient times for transporting goods and persons, drawn by oxen or horses.
☩Biblical References
Jacob was amazed when he saw the wagons Joseph sent from Egypt to carry his family, suggesting he recognized their Egyptian design. Pharaoh commanded that wagons be given to Joseph's family for the journey to Egypt, and they transported the women and children. Covered wagons were provided for carrying the materials of the tabernacle, with each wagon drawn by two oxen. These 'covered wagons' were probably similar to those used for sacred purposes in Egypt.
☩Construction
The Oriental wagon, called arabah, consists of two or three planks fixed on solid circular blocks of wood that serve as wheels, ranging from two to five feet in diameter. For passenger conveyance, mattresses or clothes were laid in the bottom, and the vehicle was drawn by buffaloes or oxen. These wagons were quite different from war chariots, being simpler vehicles designed for transport rather than battle.
Related Verses9 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Wagon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Wagon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).