Topical Bible: Chariots: Prophets

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In the biblical narrative, chariots often symbolize power, speed, and divine intervention. The prophets of the Old Testament frequently reference chariots, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, to convey messages of God's sovereignty, judgment, and deliverance.

Elijah and the Chariots of Fire

One of the most vivid depictions of chariots in the prophetic literature is found in the account of Elijah's ascension to heaven. In 2 Kings 2:11 , it is recorded: "As they continued walking and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." This event underscores the divine approval and unique role of Elijah as a prophet. The chariot of fire symbolizes God's power and the heavenly realm's intervention in earthly affairs.

Elisha and the Vision of Chariots

Elisha, the successor of Elijah, also had significant encounters involving chariots. In 2 Kings 6:17 , during a time of crisis, Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened: "And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." This vision reassured Elisha's servant of God's protection and the presence of divine forces ready to defend His people.

Chariots as Instruments of Judgment

The prophets often used the imagery of chariots to depict God's judgment against nations and peoples. In Isaiah 66:15 , the prophet declares, "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." Here, chariots are emblematic of God's swift and powerful judgment, emphasizing His control over the nations and His ability to execute justice.

Symbolism in Zechariah

In Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet describes a vision of four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze. These chariots, drawn by different colored horses, are sent out to patrol the earth. This vision symbolizes God's omnipresence and His active role in the affairs of the world, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled across the earth.

Chariots in the Context of Deliverance

The prophets also speak of chariots in the context of deliverance and salvation. In Habakkuk 3:8 , the prophet asks, "Were You angry at 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?" This passage highlights God's might and His ability to deliver His people, using the imagery of chariots to convey His readiness to save.

Conclusion

Throughout the prophetic writings, chariots serve as powerful symbols of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. They illustrate the might and majesty of God, His readiness to protect and deliver His people, and His ultimate authority over the nations. The prophets' use of chariots in their messages underscores the dynamic relationship between the divine and the earthly, reminding believers of God's active presence and power in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:12
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 13:14
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philippians ii. 8-May
... as examples; as when He says, "For thus they did unto the Prophets which were ... For
if when chariots contend in the horse race there is nothing so pleasing as ...
/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... Lord "made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a ... he continued
to take an active interest in the upbuilding of the schools of the prophets. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 21 elishas closing ministry.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... went out to recover Ramoth Gilead, wilfully trusting to lying prophets, and silencing ...
he had only one thousand foot, fifty horse, and ten chariots; but after ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

The Mantle of Elijah
... Fifty followers of the prophets stood opposite them at a distance, while they two ...
the chariots and the horsemen of Israel!" And he saw Elijah no more, but he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the mantle of elijah.htm

National Apostasy
... not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen ...
Of "the prophets of Baal" there were "four hundred and fifty," besides four ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

The Signs which Preceded the War.
... people won over at this time by the impostors and false prophets; [657] but ... For before
the setting of the sun chariots and armed troops were seen throughout ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the signs which preceded.htm

Obadiah
... mount their guards; to keep up a strong force of cavalry and chariots, in order ... Queen
Jezebel was as devoted as ever to her idols; the false prophets of Baal ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... to believe were especially favored with evidences of His power through the prophets. ...
When the encircling hills were filled with the horses and chariots of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... the house of Ahab, and that he might revenge the blood of the prophets that were ...
of Ahab's sons for king, for that they had abundance of chariots, and horses ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... then is a clear case where God communicated to one of the prophets not merely ... Once
more: "And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm