Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "driving" is not directly associated with modern vehicles but rather with the act of guiding or controlling animals, particularly in agricultural or military settings. The term can also metaphorically refer to the forceful movement or expulsion of people or objects.Driving Animals In ancient times, driving animals was a common practice, especially in agricultural societies. Oxen, donkeys, and camels were often driven to plow fields, transport goods, or travel long distances. The Bible provides several instances where animals are driven for various purposes. For example, in 1 Samuel 6:12, the cows that carried the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel were driven by the Lord's guidance: "And the cows went straight up the road to Beth-shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing as they went; they did not turn to the right or to the left." Driving Out Nations The concept of driving is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the act of God expelling nations from the Promised Land to make way for the Israelites. This is seen as a divine act of judgment and fulfillment of God's promises. In Exodus 23:28-30, God promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land: "I will send the hornet before you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites out of your way. I will not drive them out before you in a single year, or the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land." Driving as a Metaphor for Leadership Driving can also symbolize leadership and guidance. Just as a shepherd drives his flock, leaders are called to guide and direct those under their care. This is reflected in the pastoral imagery found throughout Scripture, where leaders are often compared to shepherds who must drive their sheep to safe pastures. In John 10:4, Jesus speaks of the Good Shepherd: "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." Driving in the Context of Judgment The Bible also uses the concept of driving in the context of divine judgment. God is depicted as driving out the wicked or unrepentant from His presence. This is seen in the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24: "So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life." Driving as a Symbol of Divine Power Driving is often associated with the demonstration of God's power and authority. In the narrative of the Exodus, God drives the sea back to allow the Israelites to cross on dry ground, showcasing His control over nature. Exodus 14:21 states, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land." In summary, while the Bible does not address driving in the modern sense, the concept is richly woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, symbolizing guidance, leadership, divine judgment, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Drive.2. (a.) Having great force of impulse; as, a driving wind or storm. 3. (a.) Communicating force; impelling; as, a driving shaft. 4. (n.) The act of forcing or urging something along; the act of pressing or moving on furiously. Greek 1761. enthumesis -- deliberation, pondering, pl. thoughts ... Cognate: 1761 -- literally, inner-passion, the emotional force driving meditation and reflection (see 1771 on their "underlying "). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1761.htm - 7k 1014. boulomai -- to will 4062. peritrepo -- to turn about 3510. nephros -- a kidney, fig. the (inmost) mind Strong's Hebrew 4491. minhag -- driving (a chariot)... 4490, 4491. minhag. 4492 . driving (a chariot). Transliteration: minhag Phonetic Spelling: (min-hawg') Short Definition: driving. ... /hebrew/4491.htm - 6k 5311. nephets -- a driving storm
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