Topical Bible: Chariots for War: Kept in Chariot Cities

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near East, chariots were a significant component of military power and strategy. The Bible provides several references to the use and storage of chariots, particularly in the context of Israel's monarchy. Chariots were not only a symbol of military might but also a practical tool for warfare, offering speed and mobility on the battlefield.

Chariot Cities in Israel

The concept of "chariot cities" is introduced during the reign of King Solomon, who is noted for his extensive building projects and military organization. According to 1 Kings 9:19 , Solomon established specific cities for the storage and maintenance of chariots: "He built whatever he desired in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion, including all the store cities and the cities for his chariots and horses." These cities served as strategic military hubs, ensuring that chariots were readily available for defense and warfare.

Strategic Importance

The establishment of chariot cities highlights the strategic importance of chariots in ancient warfare. By centralizing the storage and maintenance of chariots, Solomon ensured that his military forces could be rapidly mobilized in response to threats. This organization reflects a sophisticated understanding of logistics and military readiness, which was crucial for maintaining the security and stability of the kingdom.

Biblical Context

The use of chariots is frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament, often in the context of battles and military campaigns. For instance, in 1 Samuel 13:5 , the Philistines are described as having "thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen," underscoring the formidable nature of chariot forces. Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 1:14 , it is recorded that "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem."

Symbol of Power

Chariots also served as a symbol of royal power and prestige. The accumulation and display of chariots were indicative of a king's wealth and military capability. In the ancient world, the possession of a large number of chariots was a testament to a nation's strength and influence.

Divine Perspective

From a theological standpoint, the reliance on chariots and horses is sometimes contrasted with trust in God. Psalm 20:7 states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs, emphasizing that true security and victory come from divine providence rather than military might.

Conclusion

The biblical references to chariots and chariot cities provide insight into the military practices and priorities of ancient Israel. They reflect the broader cultural and historical context of the time, while also offering theological reflections on the nature of power and trust in God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 9:19
And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:26
And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Story of Panthea.
... to take command of this corps of chariots in person ... idea of one item of the horrors
of ancient war. ... not, however, displayed at first, for Panthea kept what she ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter x the story of.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... nay, they were destroyed by their own chariots, and by ... And this was the conclusion
of the war that Benhadad ... he should be put in prison, and there kept; but for ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... revolted under Rezon; and though in the war that ensued ... in keeping the cities of
Zobah which kept guard over ... contingent of 10,000 men and 2000 chariots to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... faith, and self- control, whether chains and chariots are added ... by the Hyksos conquest
and the war of independence ... and an army of officials to be kept in order. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

A Discourse
... distant from Jerusalem, Solomon having so many chariots and horses ... beds, but for
those that were war-like men ... the house might be girt together, kept uniform, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... had against him 2500 chariots containing three men each, making ... from Syria either
as spoils of war or as ... The Pharaohs kept studs of horses in the principal ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... the Lord to show favor when, in times of war or of ... And of the prancing horses, and
of the jumping chariots. ... Isaiah 30:28), and those that have kept the truth ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... defence a confused crowd of archers, chariots, and horsemen ... with my casque, the badge
of war; my powerful ... twenty-four statues of goddesses which kept watch over ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... of precious vases, slaves, lapis-lazuli, chariots and horses ... seems to have been one
continuous war against the ... suitable places, most of which were kept up long ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... he suffered, how even with his whole host, chariots and horses ... that it is, because
the punishment is kept in store ... of God, and yet no one has fallen in war? ...
/.../homily viii 1 thessalonians iv.htm