Topical Bible: Chariots: Drivers Generally Employed For

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient biblical context, chariots were a significant component of military and ceremonial life. They were primarily used in warfare, serving as a powerful tool for armies to gain an advantage over their enemies. The employment of chariot drivers was a specialized role, often requiring skill and bravery, as these individuals were responsible for maneuvering the chariots in battle and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the warriors they transported.

Military Use:

Chariots were a symbol of military strength and were often associated with the might of a nation. In Exodus 14:7, Pharaoh's army is described as having "six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them." This passage highlights the importance of chariots in the Egyptian military, with drivers playing a crucial role in their operation.

The Israelites, too, encountered chariots in their battles. In Joshua 11:4, the Canaanite kings "came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with many horses and chariots." The presence of chariots in these armies necessitated skilled drivers who could navigate the battlefield and execute strategic maneuvers.

Ceremonial and Royal Use:

Beyond warfare, chariots were also used in ceremonial contexts and by royalty. In 1 Kings 10:26, it is recorded that "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." The accumulation of chariots by King Solomon underscores their status as symbols of wealth and power, with drivers employed to maintain and operate these vehicles for royal processions and displays of grandeur.

Symbolic Representation:

Chariots also hold symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. In 2 Kings 2:11, the prophet Elijah is taken up to heaven in a "chariot of fire," driven by horses of fire. This imagery conveys divine intervention and the power of God, with the chariot serving as a vehicle for heavenly transport.

Role of Drivers:

The role of chariot drivers was not only technical but also strategic. They were responsible for the speed and direction of the chariot, often working in tandem with archers or warriors who fought from the chariot. The skill of the driver could determine the outcome of a battle, as they needed to navigate difficult terrain and respond quickly to the movements of the enemy.

In summary, chariot drivers in the biblical era were essential to the operation of these formidable vehicles, whether in the context of war, ceremony, or symbolic representation. Their expertise and courage were vital to the success and prestige of the armies and leaders they served.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:34
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: why he said to the driver of his chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 18:33
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn your hand, that you may carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... horses would be thrown down, their drivers would fall ... of his captor; then came the
chariots, arms, slaves ... may infer, those of other Oriental nations generally. ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm