Topical Bible: Chariot: Traffic In

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the chariot was a significant mode of transportation and warfare, symbolizing power, speed, and military strength. The use and trade of chariots are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture and economy.

Historical Context and Usage

Chariots were primarily used in warfare, serving as a formidable tool in battle due to their speed and mobility. They were typically drawn by horses and manned by a driver and a warrior. The construction of chariots involved skilled craftsmanship, often requiring materials such as wood, metal, and leather.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to the use and trade of chariots, highlighting their significance in the ancient world. In 1 Kings 10:28-29 , we read about the trade of chariots during the reign of King Solomon: "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram."

This passage indicates that chariots were not only used domestically but were also a valuable commodity in international trade. Solomon's extensive trade network facilitated the import and export of chariots, underscoring their economic and strategic importance.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Chariots are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent military might and divine intervention. In Exodus 14:6-7 , Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites with his chariots exemplifies the might of Egypt's military: "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."

In prophetic literature, chariots are frequently associated with divine judgment and deliverance. For instance, in Isaiah 66:15 , the Lord's coming is depicted with imagery of chariots: "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."

Cultural and Religious Significance

The presence of chariots in biblical narratives often highlights the tension between human reliance on military power and trust in divine providence. In Psalm 20:7 , the psalmist contrasts trust in chariots with faith in God: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

This verse serves as a reminder of the limitations of human strength and the supremacy of divine power. The biblical perspective encourages reliance on God rather than on military might, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

Conclusion

The trade and use of chariots in the Bible reflect their critical role in ancient society as instruments of war and commerce. They serve as powerful symbols of human ambition and divine sovereignty, reminding believers of the ultimate authority and protection found in God.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Manifold Struggles
... centre of universal interest was with the occupants of the chariot, and they ... what
end is this vast accumulation of wealth, this dishonourable traffic in high ...
/.../chapter xxii manifold struggles.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... symbolic significance, alike those passed who carried on the traffic of the ... doctrines
connected with Ezekiel's vision of the Divine chariot, which certainly ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... a narrow, featureless passage, scarcely wide enough to give room for a chariot. ... the
Damascene carpets swung, lending festivity to the energetic traffic below. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... The traffic of the country was, however, mainly conducted by means of boats of ... so
broad that there was room between these watch-towers for a chariot and four ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Profit and Loss
... by one that is called "the soul" a spiritual being, who does not traffic upon little ...
the pavement in rags, than if he rode through the streets in his chariot. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

John ii. 4
... up your [558] riches, may not be slothful [559] in carrying on this good traffic. ...
he who one day appears with herald, and girdle, and chariot, and numerous ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii john ii 4.htm

Matt. xxii. 1-14.
... in purple, and put a crown on it, and set it on a high and conspicuous chariot. ...
"For thou art come here," they would say, "to fight, not to traffic; why then ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxix matt xxii 1-14.htm

Prefatory Notice.
... Fair, even ere the hour when his spirit mounted the fiery chariot that hurried ... manner
render the lowliest scenes of human art and toil and traffic the schools ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/prefatory notice.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... nor would the stem angel of death have honored him with the chariot and horses ...
earthbound years, hedge abot a single night for such enriching traffic with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

Matt. xvi. 28
... sitteth on a light cloud;" [2187] and again, "Who maketh clouds His chariot;" [2188]
and ... Let us not then traffic in other men's calamities, nor make a trade of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvi matt xvi 28.htm