Topical Bible: Chariots: The Jews Condemned For: Trusting To

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, chariots often symbolize military strength and human reliance on worldly power. The Israelites, at various points in their history, are admonished for placing their trust in chariots and horses rather than in God. This misplaced trust is seen as a departure from faith in divine providence and protection.

Biblical Context and References

1. Isaiah's Rebuke: The prophet Isaiah addresses the issue of misplaced trust in chariots in Isaiah 31:1, where he 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." Here, the reliance on Egypt's military might, symbolized by chariots, is contrasted with the failure to seek God's guidance and protection.

2. The Psalmist's Declaration: In Psalm 20:7, the psalmist declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse highlights the distinction between those who depend on human strength and those who place their faith in God. The psalmist emphasizes that true security and victory come from the Lord, not from military power.

3. The Historical Context of Kings: During the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, there were instances where reliance on chariots was evident. For example, in 2 Kings 18:21, the prophet Isaiah challenges King Hezekiah's reliance on Egypt, saying, "Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him." This passage underscores the futility of relying on foreign powers and their military resources.

4. The Warning in Deuteronomy: The law given to Israel also contains warnings against amassing chariots. Deuteronomy 17:16 instructs, "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, 'You are not to go back that way again.'" This command is a reminder that the king's strength should not be in military might but in obedience to God.

5. The Prophetic Critique: The prophets frequently critique the nation's reliance on military alliances and chariots. Hosea 14:3 states, "Assyria will not save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say, 'Our gods,' to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion." This verse reflects a turning away from reliance on foreign powers and military strength, returning instead to trust in God's compassion and provision.

Theological Implications

The condemnation of trusting in chariots serves as a broader theological lesson about the dangers of relying on human strength and resources over divine guidance and support. It reflects a recurring theme in Scripture where faith in God is prioritized over worldly power. The Israelites' temptation to trust in chariots is a cautionary tale about the importance of placing ultimate trust in God, who is sovereign over all nations and their armies.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 22:18
He will surely violently turn and toss you like a ball into a large country: there shall you die, and there the chariots of your glory shall be the shame of your lord's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Egypt
... the waters to return upon them, and chariots, horses, and ... Tel el-Yahudiya, or "Mound
of the Jews," and the ... if they were found wanting, he was condemned to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... had in more reverence among the Jews than any ... supreme Lord, the blasphemous Papists
are condemned who speak ... to Israel, and a grave to Pharaoh and his chariots. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... round to sympathizing friends""Many of the Jews which came ... shut up in prison: they
are condemned to die ... mightier than all the horsemen and chariots of Mizraim ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... them or on their predecessors had condemned them, allowed ... and prancing horses and
jumping chariots; the horsemen ... a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... David' (Luke 1:32). And again, The Jews knew this very well, or else they
would have been sure to have laid it open before all the.
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.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

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... that by the word of the Scriptures are condemned, those can no ... breath of his
word"and it is hard trusting to that ... Many of the Jews were, in the time of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron ... enemies, who, having
put out his eyes, condemned him to ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm