Topical Bible: Chariots: Drawn by Horses

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Topical Encyclopedia

Chariots, as depicted in the Bible, are a significant symbol of military power, wealth, and technological advancement in ancient times. These vehicles, typically drawn by horses, played a crucial role in warfare, transportation, and ceremonial events throughout biblical history.

Historical Context and Usage

Chariots were introduced to the ancient Near East by the Hyksos around the 17th century BC and became a dominant military technology by the time of the biblical narratives. They were primarily used by the Egyptians, Canaanites, and later by the Israelites themselves. The construction of chariots involved a wooden frame, often reinforced with metal, and they were typically drawn by two or more horses.

Biblical References

Chariots are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often symbolizing the might of nations and their reliance on military strength. 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 highlights the formidable nature of the Egyptian chariotry.

In 1 Samuel 8:11, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the implications of having a king: "He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.'" This warning underscores the association of chariots with royal authority and the potential for oppression.

The power of chariots is further illustrated in 2 Kings 2:11, where Elijah is taken up to heaven: "As they continued walking and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." Here, the chariot serves as a divine vehicle, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the supernatural.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Chariots in the Bible often symbolize human reliance on military might rather than on God. In Psalm 20:7, the psalmist declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse contrasts the temporal power of chariots with the eternal power of God, encouraging believers to place their trust in divine providence rather than human strength.

The prophetic literature also uses chariots to depict God's judgment and deliverance. In Isaiah 66:15, it is written, "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." This imagery conveys the swift and powerful nature of God's intervention in human affairs.

Chariots in Israelite Society

While initially a symbol of foreign power, chariots eventually became part of Israel's own military arsenal. King Solomon is noted for his accumulation of chariots and horses, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:26: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." This accumulation reflects the wealth and influence of Solomon's reign, as well as the potential pitfalls of relying on military strength.

Despite their practical and symbolic significance, the biblical narrative consistently points to the limitations of chariots and human power. The ultimate victory and deliverance come from God, who transcends earthly might and authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 10:2
Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armor;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 1:9
I have compared you, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Story of Panthea.
... much larger than the rest, for himself, as he intended to take command of this corps
of chariots in person. His own chariot was to be drawn by eight horses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter x the story of.htm

The Procession of Amen
... behind him was a chariot of ebony drawn by two ... the other and talked to his horses
continually, drove ... Chariots and horses shone with gilding, polished metal and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Sight and Blindness
... who knew all his schemes, might know this one too, or that horses and chariots were
of ... of what always was, and would be after the curtain was drawn again. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... Ye have seen clouds dashing along, like chariots drawn by mighty horses, or flying
like a fugitive army, when the swift winds have pursued them, and ye have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

Preparing to Depart
... and feared not, could bear to look upon the horses and chariots of fire ... stand erect,
and ride up to the throne of God, drawn thither by horses of fire! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm

Book 15 Footnotes
... plays, and shows, and Thymelici, or music meetings, and chariot races, when the
chariots were drawn by two, three, or four pair of horses, etc., instituted by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 15 footnotes.htm

At Masaarah
... The third was a chariot of ebony drawn by two ... late governor of Bubastis, drew up
his horses and calmly ... The action halted the chariots of a dozen courtiers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Caput xv.
... what the varieties of coloured horses? ... what the chariots? ... Now the straining elevation
to things above, and their being drawn unswervingly around each other, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput xv.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... battle with bent bow, the string drawn back to ... Their horses would be thrown down,
their drivers would fall wounded, and the disabled chariots would check ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Ephesians iv. 3-Jan
... bear to resist it, but am drawn along willingly ... the consuls, borne along in their
chariots and arrayed ... gold, their raiment of gold, their horses with trappings ...
/.../homily ix ephesians iv 3-jan.htm