Topical Bible: Chariot: Made of Iron

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In the biblical context, chariots were significant instruments of war and symbols of power and might. The mention of chariots made of iron highlights the advanced military technology and formidable strength of certain ancient civilizations, particularly those that posed a threat to the Israelites.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable references to iron chariots is found in the Book of Judges. The Canaanite king Jabin, who reigned in Hazor, oppressed the Israelites with his powerful army, which included 900 iron chariots. Judges 4:3 states, "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he had harshly oppressed them for twenty years." This passage underscores the military superiority and the daunting challenge faced by the Israelites due to these iron chariots.

The presence of iron chariots is also mentioned in the context of the tribes of Israel struggling to fully possess the Promised Land. In Judges 1:19 , it is recorded, "The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had chariots of iron." This verse illustrates the limitations faced by the Israelites despite divine assistance, as the iron chariots of their enemies presented a significant obstacle.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Iron chariots were a technological advancement over earlier wooden or bronze chariots, providing greater durability and strength. The use of iron in chariot construction would have given armies a considerable advantage in battle, allowing them to dominate the battlefield with speed and power. The Canaanites, with their iron chariots, exemplified the military prowess that the Israelites had to contend with during their conquest and settlement of Canaan.

The mention of iron chariots in the Bible reflects the broader historical context of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, a period marked by significant technological advancements in metallurgy and warfare. The ability to produce iron weapons and chariots was a hallmark of powerful and advanced societies of the time.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the references to iron chariots serve to highlight the challenges faced by the Israelites in their reliance on God versus the formidable military technology of their enemies. Despite the apparent disadvantage, the biblical narrative emphasizes that victory and deliverance ultimately come from the Lord, not from human strength or technological superiority. This is exemplified in the account of Deborah and Barak, where God grants victory over Jabin's army despite their iron chariots (Judges 4:14-16).

The presence of iron chariots in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the constant tension between human reliance on military might and the call to trust in divine providence. It underscores the biblical theme that faithfulness to God and obedience to His commands are paramount, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 17:18
But the mountain shall be yours; for it is a wood, and you shall cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be yours: for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
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Judges 1:19
And the LORD was with Judah; and he drove out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
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Library

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... However, Zedekiah made horns of iron, and said to Ahab, that God made those horns ...
lest they should run away; but he bid the driver of his chariot to turn ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... of running footmen; at other times they were a sort of iron basket lifted ... it must
be made of wood; hence King Solomon made a bed, or chariot, or palanquin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
... no reed shaken by the wind, but like another prophet, was made 'an iron pillar,
and ... As, in a royal progress, the nearer the king's chariot the higher the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/johns doubts and christs praise.htm

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... in the brook, and let it be rounded, and made smooth by ... but do not contend against
the northern iron and the ... spear in sunder; he hath burned the chariot in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... the most holy place, and for the chariot of God ... and the Levites, who now contributed
and made great and ... talents, and many ten thousand talents of iron; and if ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... riding upon an ass and a young foal, not on a chariot. ... it has been proved possible
for Him to be made man: and ... on, Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron [1425 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... The proclamation made before him as he rode in the second chariot has been very ... His
character was matured by his trials, as iron is consolidated by heavy ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Elijah was taken up in a chariot to heaven; and our Redeemer ascended and took His
seat on the right hand of His Father. ... Elisha made the iron to swim and ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Roman Power.
... He was seated in a chariot drawn by white horses, a ... as High Priest, but not as
King"made him pay a ... the dominion of the fourth power with the teeth of iron. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xix the roman power.htm

Election
... the attendance of even the cherubim, long ere the living creatures were born, or
the wheels of the chariot of Jehovah ... His brow is made of iron, his heart is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm