Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, chariots are frequently mentioned as instruments of war and symbols of military might. The Israelites, however, were often condemned for their reliance on chariots, especially when these were taken as spoils of war. The scriptures emphasize that trust in military power, represented by chariots, often led the Israelites away from reliance on God.Biblical Context and Usage Chariots were a common feature in ancient Near Eastern warfare, providing a significant advantage in battle due to their speed and mobility. The Egyptians, Canaanites, and other neighboring nations utilized chariots extensively. The Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, encountered these formidable war machines and were often tempted to adopt them. Condemnation for Reliance on Chariots The Bible records several instances where the Israelites are admonished for their reliance on chariots. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands that the king of Israel "must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them," highlighting a prohibition against amassing military power, including chariots. The prophet Isaiah also warns against trusting in chariots. In Isaiah 31:1, it is written: "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." Chariots Taken in War Throughout the conquest of Canaan and subsequent battles, the Israelites captured chariots from their enemies. However, they were often instructed to destroy them, as a demonstration of their trust in God rather than in military might. In Joshua 11:6, the Lord commands Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for at this time tomorrow I will cause all of them to be slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire." Similarly, in 2 Samuel 8:4, after defeating Hadadezer, David captured "a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses but spared enough for a hundred chariots." Theological Implications The consistent biblical theme is that reliance on chariots and military strength is a misplaced trust that detracts from faith in God. The Israelites were called to be distinct from other nations, demonstrating their dependence on divine power rather than human ingenuity. This principle is encapsulated in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." The condemnation of chariots serves as a broader metaphor for the dangers of placing confidence in worldly power and resources, urging believers to maintain their faith and reliance on God alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 11:6,9And the LORD said to Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: you shall hamstring their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 51:21 Micah 5:10 Nahum 2:13 Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem Acts xiii. 16, 17 The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ... On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Iranian Conquest Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World 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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