Topical Bible: Chariots: The Jews Condemned For: Multiplying

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In the biblical narrative, chariots often symbolize military power and human reliance on strength rather than on God. The Israelites, at various points in their history, were condemned for placing their trust in chariots and horses instead of in the Lord. This reliance is seen as a departure from faith and obedience to God's commands.

Biblical Context

The command against multiplying chariots is rooted in the instructions given to the kings of Israel. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God explicitly instructs the future kings of Israel: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This command is part of a broader directive to ensure that the king's heart remains devoted to God and not swayed by military might or foreign alliances.

Historical Instances

Despite this clear command, the history of Israel and Judah shows instances where kings amassed chariots, reflecting a misplaced trust in military strength. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, is one such example. In 1 Kings 10:26, it is recorded, "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." Solomon's actions, while demonstrating his wealth and power, also indicate a departure from the divine command, leading to spiritual and political consequences for Israel.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel often spoke against the nation's reliance on military power, including chariots. Isaiah 31:1 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 prophetic rebuke highlights the spiritual danger of trusting in human strength rather than in God's providence and protection.

Spiritual Implications

The multiplication of chariots is emblematic of a broader spiritual issue: the temptation to rely on human resources and strategies rather than on God. This theme is echoed in Psalm 20:7, which states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." The psalmist contrasts the fleeting security of military power with the enduring faithfulness of God.

Lessons for Believers

The biblical condemnation of multiplying chariots serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It underscores the importance of placing trust in God above all else and warns against the allure of worldly power and security. The narrative invites believers to examine their own lives for areas where they might be tempted to rely on human strength rather than divine guidance and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:7
Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Preface to the Commandments
... supreme Lord, the blasphemous Papists are condemned who speak ... Israel, and a grave
to Pharaoh and his chariots. ... The Jews say, that in every misery that befalls ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... on them or on their predecessors had condemned them, allowed ... for a welcome change
in the fortunes of the Jews. ... of the house of Jahveh." The chariots and horses ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Goods have been confiscated, liberty has been in irons, the life condemned, the
neck in a ... When the Jews went to stone Stephen they laid their clothes down at a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... Tamar my sister come' (2 Samuel 13:6). 'LET it be granted to the Jews to do ... we are
judged we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm