Topical Encyclopedia Chariots, as depicted in the Bible, are often associated with warfare, speed, and power. These two-wheeled vehicles, typically drawn by horses, were a significant part of ancient military technology and are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The Bible provides various accounts of chariots being driven with great speed and intensity, often in the context of battle or divine intervention.One of the most vivid descriptions of chariots being driven furiously is found in the account of Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, who was anointed king over Israel. In 2 Kings 9:20 , a watchman reports, "The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman." This passage highlights the urgency and intensity with which Jehu pursued his mission to eliminate the house of Ahab, as commanded by God through the prophet Elisha. The use of chariots in warfare is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Egyptians famously pursued the Israelites with chariots during the Exodus. In Exodus 14:6-7 , it is recorded, "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." This formidable display of military might underscores the reliance on chariots for swift and decisive action in battle. Chariots also symbolize the might of foreign nations and their reliance on military strength. 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 their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This passage serves as a reminder of the futility of trusting in human power rather than divine providence. In the prophetic literature, chariots are sometimes used metaphorically to describe divine intervention and judgment. Nahum 2:3-4 provides a vivid image: "The shields of his warriors are red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of their preparation; the spears of pine are brandished. The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning." This imagery conveys the swiftness and inevitability of God's judgment upon Nineveh. The New Testament also references chariots, though less frequently. In Acts 8:28-29 , the Ethiopian eunuch is described as sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah when Philip is prompted by the Spirit to approach him. This encounter leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism, illustrating how chariots, even in a non-military context, can be part of God's divine plan. Throughout the Bible, chariots are emblematic of both human ambition and divine sovereignty. Whether driven furiously in battle or used as instruments of God's will, they serve as powerful symbols of speed, strength, and the unfolding of divine purposes in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 9:20And the watchman told, saying, He came even to them, and comes not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:28 Jeremiah 4:13 Library Book 9 Footnotes Israel in Egypt Of Civil Government. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Iranian Conquest Resources Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Chariots for War used in Pursuing Enemies Chariots for War: Advantageously Manoeuvred in a Flat Country Chariots for War: Armed With Iron Chariots for War: Commanded by Captains Chariots for War: Formed Part of the Line of Battle Chariots for War: Kept in Chariot Cities Chariots for War: Lighted by Night With Torches Chariots used in War by The: Assyrians Chariots used in War by The: Babylonians Chariots used in War by The: Canaanites Chariots used in War by The: Egyptians Chariots used in War by The: Ethiopians Chariots used in War by The: Jews Chariots used in War by The: Philistines Chariots used in War by The: Syrians Chariots: Bounding Motion of, Referred To Chariots: Carriages for Travelling Chariots: Carriages Used in War Chariots: Christ's Love to his Church Chariots: Consecrated to the Sun Chariots: Drawn by Asses and Camels Chariots: Drivers Generally Employed For Chariots: Elijah Taken to Heaven in One of Fire Chariots: Introduced Into Israel by David Chariots: Kings Rode In, to Battle Chariots: Kings Used, in Common Chariots: Multiplied by Solomon Chariots: Noise Occasioned By, Referred To Chariots: Often Attended by Running Footmen Chariots: Persons of Distinction Used Chariots: Sometimes Driven by the Owners Chariots: Sometimes Driven Furiously Chariots: The Jews Condemned For: Multiplying Chariots: The Jews Condemned For: Taken in War, often Destroyed Chariots: The Jews Condemned For: Trusting To Chariots: The Judgments of God Chariots: Value of in Solomon's Time Chariots: Wheels of, Described Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) |
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