Chariot-horses in the Bible are often associated with military strength, power, and the wealth of ancient kingdoms. They played a significant role in the warfare and transportation of the ancient Near East, including the biblical lands. The use of chariot-horses is frequently mentioned in the context of battles, royal processions, and as symbols of a nation's might.

Biblical References and Context

1. Solomon's Wealth and Military Power: King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, amassed a significant number of chariot-horses as part of his military strength. In 1 Kings 10:26, it is recorded, "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." This accumulation was a demonstration of his kingdom's prosperity and military capability.

2. Prohibition for Kings: The Law of Moses included specific instructions regarding the accumulation of horses by Israelite kings. Deuteronomy 17:16 states, "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has told you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This command was intended to prevent reliance on military might and to ensure trust in God's protection.

3. Egyptian Chariots: The Egyptians were known for their formidable chariots, which played a crucial role in their military campaigns. The Israelites encountered Egyptian chariots during their exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 14:9, it is written, "The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon."

4. Symbol of Judgment: Chariot-horses are also depicted as instruments of divine judgment. In the prophetic visions of Zechariah, chariots are used to symbolize God's judgment upon the nations. Zechariah 6:1-3 describes, "I looked up again and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black, the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful."

5. Trust in God Over Horses: The Psalms emphasize the importance of trusting in God rather than in military power, including chariots and horses. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse highlights the biblical theme of reliance on divine strength rather than human resources.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Chariot-horses were a symbol of prestige and power in the ancient world. They were often used in royal ceremonies and were a key component of a king's military arsenal. The breeding and training of horses for chariots were highly valued skills, and the possession of a large number of chariot-horses was a sign of a nation's wealth and military prowess.

In biblical times, the use of chariot-horses was not only a practical matter of warfare but also carried spiritual implications. The biblical narrative often contrasts the reliance on chariots and horses with the call to trust in God's providence and protection. This theme is woven throughout the scriptures, reminding the faithful of the ultimate sovereignty and power of God over human endeavors.7393. rekeb -- chariotry, chariot, millstone
... Word Origin from rakab Definition chariotry, chariot, millstone NASB Word Usage
chariot (19), chariot horses (2), charioteers (3), chariots (87), rider (1 ...
/hebrew/7393.htm - 6k

The Great Gain of Godliness
... four thousand. A well-organised staff looked after provisioning the cavalry
and chariot horses wherever they were quartered. This ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

'Impossible, --Only I Saw It'
... see.14. They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after
the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.15. And they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/impossibleonly i saw it.htm

Rachel's Refuge
... Her chariot horses had died in the stables; her pets had drooped and perished; her
birds were missing one morning, and Rachel said they had flown to Goshen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Chariot-horses (3 Occurrences)
Chariot-horses. Charioteers, Chariot-horses. Chariotry .
Multi-Version Concordance Chariot-horses (3 Occurrences). 2 ...
/c/chariot-horses.htm - 7k

Charioteers (19 Occurrences)
... 4 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and
twenty thousand footmen; and David houghed all the chariothorses, but reserved ...
/c/charioteers.htm - 12k

Footmen (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/f/footmen.htm - 11k

Hamstrung (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/h/hamstrung.htm - 7k

Reserved (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/r/reserved.htm - 15k

Hocked (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 And David took from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and
twenty thousand footmen: and David hocked all the chariothorses, but reserved ...
/h/hocked.htm - 7k

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/s/soldiers.htm - 31k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 1:14). Chariothorses were such as were peculiarly fitted for
service in chariots (2 Kings 7:14). Chariots of war are ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Horsemen (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/h/horsemen.htm - 28k

Chariots (118 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:4 David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty
thousand footmen: and David hamstrung all the chariothorses, but reserved of ...
/c/chariots.htm - 42k

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