Topical Bible: Chariots: Often Attended by Running Footmen

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, chariots were a significant component of military and royal transportation. They symbolized power, speed, and prestige. The Bible provides numerous references to chariots, often highlighting their role in warfare and royal processions. A notable aspect of chariot use in biblical times was the presence of running footmen, who attended these vehicles.

Biblical References and Context

1. Royal Processions and Military Might: Chariots were a symbol of royal authority and military strength. In 1 Samuel 8:11, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the implications of having a king, stating, "He will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots." This passage indicates that running footmen were part of the king's entourage, serving as a display of his power and the loyalty of his subjects.

2. The Role of Footmen: The footmen who ran alongside or in front of chariots were likely chosen for their speed and endurance. Their presence was not merely ceremonial; they could serve as messengers, scouts, or protectors. In 2 Samuel 15:1, Absalom's attempt to usurp his father David's throne is marked by his acquisition of "chariots, horses, and fifty men to run ahead of him." This demonstrates the importance of footmen in asserting authority and legitimacy.

3. Symbol of Divine Judgment and Deliverance: Chariots are also depicted in the Bible as instruments of divine judgment or deliverance. In Isaiah 66:15, the prophet describes the Lord's coming with fire and chariots like a whirlwind, emphasizing the swiftness and power of divine intervention. The presence of footmen in such imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of God's might.

4. Historical and Cultural Insights: The use of chariots and footmen reflects the broader cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern societies. Chariots were often used in warfare, as seen in the accounts of Pharaoh's army pursuing the Israelites in Exodus 14:7, where "he took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them." The footmen would have been integral to the coordination and effectiveness of such military campaigns.

5. Symbolism in Prophetic Literature: In prophetic literature, chariots often symbolize impending doom or salvation. For instance, in Habakkuk 3:8, the prophet questions, "Were You angry with the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation?" Here, the imagery of chariots conveys the dual themes of judgment and deliverance, with footmen implied as part of the divine entourage.

Conclusion

The presence of running footmen alongside chariots in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of authority, power, and divine intervention. These attendants highlight the grandeur and might associated with chariots, whether in the context of human kingship or divine action. Through these depictions, the Bible communicates themes of loyalty, service, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 8:11
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 15:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:5
Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... which are at the same time chariots and beds. ... What is the smoke that has attended
the Church ... It often happens that oriental monarchs of immense possessions, are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... and accordingly some success has already attended upon us ... their horses, and burnt
their chariots and passed ... largeness of its measure, it often happening that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Each horseman was attended by a groom, who rode ... the broken Obelisk, from which I
have often quoted, contains ... one evening the lightest of his chariots and the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... a man upon whom persecution continually attended, commit his ... some of them, their
heart blood running on the ... I have often thought that the best Christians are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards ... heard it also proclaimed to
them that attended on the ... comfortably;[58] also he would be often reading in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm