Chariotry in the biblical context refers to the use and significance of chariots in ancient Israel and the surrounding nations, as depicted in the Scriptures. Chariots were a symbol of military power, wealth, and technological advancement in the ancient Near East. They played a crucial role in warfare, transportation, and ceremonial events.

Historical Context and Development

Chariots were introduced to the Near East by the Hyksos around the 17th century BC and became a dominant military technology by the time of the biblical narratives. The construction of chariots typically involved a wooden frame, often reinforced with metal, and they were drawn by horses. The use of chariots spread throughout the region, becoming a staple in the armies of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and other neighboring nations.

Chariots in the Old Testament

The Old Testament frequently mentions chariots, highlighting their importance in warfare and their association with power. In Exodus 14:6-7, Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites is described: "So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them" . This passage underscores the might of Egypt's chariotry and its role in military campaigns.

The Israelites themselves were initially at a disadvantage due to their lack of chariots. Judges 4:3 notes, "Because he had nine hundred iron chariots and had harshly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried out to the LORD for help" . This reference to the Canaanite king Jabin's chariots illustrates the technological superiority that chariots provided in battle.

King Solomon is credited with significantly expanding Israel's chariotry. 1 Kings 10:26 states, "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" . Solomon's investment in chariots reflects both his wealth and the strategic importance of chariotry in maintaining and projecting power.

Symbolism and Metaphorical Use

Chariots also carry symbolic meaning in the Bible. They often represent human strength and reliance on military might, contrasted with trust in God. 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 emphasizes the futility of relying solely on human power and the importance of faith in divine providence.

In prophetic literature, chariots are used metaphorically to describe divine intervention and judgment. Isaiah 66:15 proclaims, "For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire" . Here, chariots symbolize the swift and powerful execution of God's will.

Chariots in the New Testament

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on chariots, they appear in the account of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:28-38. The eunuch, an official of the Ethiopian queen, is described as traveling in a chariot when Philip the evangelist encounters him. This narrative highlights the continued use of chariots for travel and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories.

Conclusion

Chariotry in the Bible serves as a testament to the historical and cultural significance of chariots in the ancient world. They symbolize both the might of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate supremacy of divine power. Through their literal and metaphorical presence, chariots in the Scriptures remind believers of the importance of placing trust in God rather than in human strength.7393. rekeb -- chariotry, chariot, millstone
... 7392, 7393. rekeb. 7394 . chariotry, chariot, millstone. Transliteration:
rekeb Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-keb) Short Definition: chariots. ...
/hebrew/7393.htm - 6k

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... On a day when the assailants and besieged were about to come to close quarters,
the Amorites let loose a mare among the chariotry of Thutmosis. ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... soldiers only, but since the invasion of the Shepherds, a new element had been
incorporated into the modern army in the-shape of the chariotry, which answered ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... formidable companies of archers"the terror of both Africans and Asiatics"and also
the most important part, if not the whole, of the chariotry, but the main ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The chariotry comprised the nobles and the elite of the army, but it was differently
constituted from that of the Egyptians, and employed other tactics. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... political constitution: the limmu, the king and his divine character, his hunting
and his wars"The Assyrian army: the infantry and chariotry, the crossing of ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... on the field of battle was to revolutionize the whole method of warfare; this was
the cavalry, properly so called, introduced as an adjunct to the chariotry. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... The Aramaean infantry were crushed by repeated charges from the Mnevito chariotry
and cavalry, who pursued the fugitives to the outer side of the moat, and ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... sustain the charge of the Persian battalions; they gave way under the walls of Salamis,
and their chief, Onesilus, was killed in a final charge of his chariotry ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Chariotry (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chariotry (1 Occurrence). Psalms 68:17 The chariots
of God are myriads, even thousands upon thousands; the ...
/c/chariotry.htm - 6k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... like. Their chariotry was their chief arm of offense. ... soldiers. But the Assyrian
chariotry was too numerous and powerful for Israel. ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... was from Musri, a country of northern Syria occupied by the Hittites, and Kue in
Cilicia, that Solomon obtained horses for his cavalry and chariotry (1 Kings 10 ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

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

Chariots (118 Occurrences)

/c/chariots.htm - 42k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... After the rise of the Second Empire the cavalry were increased at the expense of
the chariotry, and were provided with saddles and boots, while the unarmed ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

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