Bible Dictionary
Engines
Engines were military devices used in attacking fortified cities. Biblical examples include machines for throwing stones or arrows and battering rams for breaking through defenses.
Definition
Engines were military devices used in attacking fortified cities. They included contrivances for throwing stones or arrows and battering rams for striking walls.
Biblical Usage
Uzziah made engines for propelling missiles from Jerusalem’s walls. Battering rams are described in connection with attacks against cities and are also mentioned in the reign of David.
Historical Background
The missile-throwing machines are compared with the Roman ballista and catapult. The battering ram was common among the Egyptians and Assyrians.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) Heb. hishalon i.e., “invention” (as in Eccl. 7:29) contrivances indicating ingenuity. In 2 Chr. 26:15 it refers to inventions for the purpose of propelling missiles from the walls of a town, such as stones (the Roman balista) and arrows (the catapulta). (2.) Heb. mechi kobollo, i.e., the beating of that which is in front a battering-ram (Ezek. 26:9), the use of which was common among the Egyptians and the Assyrians. Such an engine is mentioned in the reign of David (2 Sam. 20:15).