### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăgâlâh**, represented by `{{H5699}}`, refers to something revolving, such as a wheeled vehicle. It is commonly translated as **cart, chariot, or wagon**. Appearing **25 times** in **20 unique verses**, this term describes a versatile tool used for transportation, agriculture, and ceremonial purposes in the biblical world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5699}}` is used in several significant contexts. It serves as a primary mode of transport for families, as seen when Pharaoh commands that **wagons** be taken from Egypt to bring Jacob and his household ([[Genesis 45:19]], [[Genesis 46:5]]). The arrival of these **wagons** is what finally convinces Jacob that Joseph is alive, causing his spirit to revive [[Genesis 45:27]]. The term is also central to the transport of sacred objects, specifically when a **new cart** `{{H2319}}` is made to carry the Ark of God `{{H727}}` ([[1 Samuel 6:7]], [[2 Samuel 6:3]]). Figuratively, it is used to illustrate the burden of sin, which is drawn as if by a **cart** rope `{{H5688}}` [[Isaiah 5:18]], and in prophecy, the burning of the **chariot** symbolizes God's power to make wars cease `{{H7673}}` [[Psalms 46:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and context of the `{{H5699}}` **cart**:
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark, chest, coffin): This sacred chest, the Ark of the LORD, was transported on a new **cart** `{{H5699}}` by the Philistines and later by David ([[1 Samuel 6:8]], [[1 Chronicles 13:7]]).
* `{{H6510}}` **pârâh** (heifer, kine): Two milch **kine** that had never been yoked were tied to the **cart** `{{H5699}}` to pull the Ark of the LORD from the Philistines back to Israel ([[1 Samuel 6:7]], [[1 Samuel 6:10]]).
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (ox): These animals were given alongside **wagons** `{{H5699}}` to the sons of Gershon `{{H1648}}` and Merari `{{H4847}}` for the **service** `{{H5656}}` of the tabernacle `{{H4908}}` [[Numbers 7:7-8]].
* `{{H2319}}` **châdâsh** (new): The special status of the Ark of God required a **new** cart for its transport, emphasizing a need for holiness and setting the object apart from common use [[2 Samuel 6:3]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5699}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture, moving from the practical to the symbolic.
* **Divine Providence:** The **wagons** provided by Pharaoh represent God's provision for the family of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, enabling their journey to **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` and their eventual reunion with **Joseph** `{{H3130}}` [[Genesis 45:21]]. Likewise, the **wagons** and **oxen** `{{H1241}}` given to the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` are a direct provision for the **service** `{{H5656}}` of the **tabernacle** `{{H4908}}` [[Numbers 7:6]].
* **Sacred Transportation:** The use of a **new cart** `{{H2319}}` to move the **Ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` highlights an attempt at honoring a holy object. However, the narrative involving **Uzzah** `{{H5798}}` and **Ahio** `{{H283}}` driving the **cart** demonstrates that human methods, even well-intentioned ones, must yield to divine command [[2 Samuel 6:3]].
* **Symbol of Sin's Burden:** Isaiah uses the image of pulling a **cart** to describe how people draw **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` and **sin** `{{H2403}}` to themselves, attached by ropes of vanity [[Isaiah 5:18]]. Similarly, in Amos, God describes being pressed under Israel's sin like a **cart** is pressed down when it is **full** `{{H4392}}` of sheaves [[Amos 2:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻăgâlâh** `{{H5699}}` is a word that illustrates the intersection of daily life and divine purpose. While it denotes a common wheeled vehicle for transport and agriculture, its most memorable uses involve the transport of Jacob's family and the Ark of God. Through powerful prophetic imagery, this simple vehicle also becomes a symbol of the heavy burden of sin and, in its destruction, a sign of God's ultimate peace.