Topical Bible: Armies were Composed of War Chariots

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near East, war chariots were a significant component of military strategy and power, often symbolizing strength and technological advancement. The Bible provides numerous references to the use of chariots in warfare, highlighting their importance in the armies of various nations, including Israel's adversaries.

Chariots in the Old Testament

The use of chariots is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of battles and military campaigns. Chariots were typically drawn by horses and manned by a driver and one or more warriors. They were used for their speed, mobility, and the psychological impact they had on foot soldiers.

One of the earliest mentions of chariots is found in the account of the Egyptian army pursuing the Israelites during the Exodus. Exodus 14:7 states, "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 formidable nature of the Egyptian military, which relied heavily on chariots to maintain its dominance.

The Canaanite armies also utilized chariots, as seen in the battle against the Israelites led by Deborah and Barak. Judges 4:3 notes, "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he had harshly oppressed them for twenty years." The mention of "iron chariots" indicates the technological advancement and strength of the Canaanite forces.

Chariots in Israel's Military

While initially at a disadvantage, Israel eventually incorporated chariots into its own military. King Solomon is credited with significantly expanding Israel's chariot forces. 1 Kings 10:26 records, "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 of chariots was part of Solomon's broader efforts to strengthen and secure his kingdom.

Despite their military utility, reliance on chariots was sometimes viewed with caution. The psalmist declares in Psalm 20:7 , "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse reflects a theological perspective that ultimate trust and security should be placed in God rather than military might.

Chariots in Prophetic Literature

The prophets also referenced chariots, often symbolizing the power of nations or the coming judgment of God. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This admonition serves as a reminder of the futility of relying solely on human strength and alliances.

Ezekiel's vision of the chariot in Ezekiel 1 further illustrates the symbolic use of chariots in conveying divine messages. While not a war chariot, this vision emphasizes the majesty and sovereignty of God, transcending earthly power.

Conclusion

Throughout the biblical narrative, chariots are depicted as powerful instruments of war, integral to the military strategies of ancient civilizations. They serve as a testament to the technological advancements of the time and the shifting dynamics of power among nations. However, the biblical text consistently points to a higher reliance on divine providence over human military prowess.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 17:16
And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 4:3
And the children of Israel cried to the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Egypt
... While the Assyrian armies were employed elsewhere, Psammetikhos shook himself ... to
the work on mathematics that was composed when the Hyksos were ruling Egypt ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors.
... suppose that the ninth book was composed after Licinius ... stood on the opposite shores
with their armies. But peace and friendship were established under certain ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix the victory of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... here reaches its western termination, is composed of a ... including Samsiramman I. and
Irishum, who were merely vicegerents ... Anu who had led the armies of heaven ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Holy War,
... it may seem strange that the armies, both within ... Doubters, and eight of Bloodmen,
who were under the ... extraordinary that mere human genius ever composed in any ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... in Heaven" was an old English hunting air composed by John ... John Brown's memory and
fate were fresh in the ... and the marching chorus of the Federal armies of the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... when thou seizest thy arms, in thy war-chariot ... of Abyssinia to those of Cilicia her
armies held the ... provinces lived on the country, and were composed mainly of ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians, were the national armies of these ... before the aisles
on either side were even begun ... and the temple facade, which was composed of a ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... the road through Mesopotamia to the Babylonian armies; the Egyptians ... The epic of
Gilgames, composed by Sin-liqi-unnini ... and armour of the troops were changed and ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... elements of which our universe is composed,"earth, water ... easy-going good-nature,
which were the primary ... and repair thither in closed chariots, followed by a ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... have no direct information respecting the armies acting in ... of 5000 men, of whom 620
were Shardana, 1600 ... infantry was, as we should expect, composed of troops ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm