Chariots used in War by The: Ethiopians
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, chariots are often depicted as powerful instruments of war, symbolizing military might and technological advancement. The Ethiopians, known in the Bible as Cushites, are mentioned in several instances where their military prowess, including the use of chariots, is highlighted.

One of the most notable references to Ethiopian chariots is found in the account of King Asa of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, Zerah the Cushite (Ethiopian) comes against Judah with a vast army, including a formidable contingent of chariots. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and they came as far as Mareshah" (2 Chronicles 14:9). This passage underscores the significant military resources at the disposal of the Ethiopians, with chariots being a key component of their strategy.

The use of chariots by the Ethiopians in this context reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern military practices, where chariots were often employed for their speed, mobility, and the psychological impact they had on foot soldiers. Chariots were typically manned by a driver and a warrior, who would engage the enemy with bows or spears. The presence of 300 chariots in Zerah's army indicates a well-organized and formidable force, capable of executing complex maneuvers on the battlefield.

The biblical account of Asa's victory over the Cushites, despite their numerical and technological superiority, is attributed to divine intervention. Asa's prayer for help and reliance on the LORD is a central theme in this narrative. The BSB records Asa's plea: "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let a mere mortal prevail against You" (2 Chronicles 14:11). The subsequent defeat of the Cushites serves as a testament to the power of faith and divine support over human strength and military technology.

The mention of Ethiopian chariots in the Bible not only highlights the military capabilities of the Cushites but also serves as a backdrop for illustrating the themes of faith, reliance on God, and the futility of trusting solely in human power. The narrative reinforces the biblical principle that victory in battle is ultimately determined by God's will, rather than by the might of chariots or the size of an army.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 14:9
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came to Mareshah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 16:8
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because you did rely on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doom of the Antichrist
... king of the south) like a whirlwind with chariots, and with ... Israel, too, shall be
used by God in this work ... burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... to the treasures of the confederate tribes, some of the chariots which had been
used for the ... how little likely they were to try the fortune of war once more ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Egypt
... god were sent to Thebes, there to be used in the ... the waters to return upon them,
and chariots, horses, and ... as a consequence of the Trojan war, and delighted to ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... of his captor; then came the chariots, arms, slaves ... item recurs, unaccompanied by
any mention of war, following after ... name of the Uauaiu was, indeed, used as a ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Heavy wagons and chariots, the latter sometimes armed with scythes ... who had left the
conclusion of the war to his ... a fillet"a mere band like that used to bind ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Taking with him his chariots and one thousand picked horsemen ... Karduniash, but the
issue of the war remained undecided ... of the Assyrians, since it was used as a ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... there shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy ... of the army at the opening
of a war a long and ... but the times were long past when they used to send ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... worked up into vases, ornaments, household utensils, and plated chariots. ... the majority
of the prisoners were used as workmen ... For this use of prisoners of war, cf ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... is put for the whole, as the sword for war, is in ... we must carefully study the nature
of the figures used, and the ... chap.5:5-11); of the four chariots coming out ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... to them for help in the way of chariots and men ... These ancient Trojans used copper,
and we encounter only rarely a ... concert with him in peace as well as in war.*. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Resources
What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How should Christians view weapons of mass destruction / nuclear weapons? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Cars

Chariots

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 of the Sun

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: Angels

Chariots: Bound With Traces

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: Drawn by Horses

Chariots: Drivers Generally Employed For

Chariots: Elijah Taken to Heaven in One of Fire

Chariots: Imported from Egypt

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: Prophets

Chariots: Sometimes Driven by the Owners

Chariots: Sometimes Driven Furiously

Chariots: The Clouds

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

Charioteers (19 Occurrences)

Sis'era (19 Occurrences)

Sun (1708 Occurrences)

Compassed (52 Occurrences)

Surrounded (51 Occurrences)

Footmen (13 Occurrences)

Encompassed (34 Occurrences)

Placeth (28 Occurrences)

Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences)

Sisera (18 Occurrences)

E'domites (13 Occurrences)

Destroyeth (38 Occurrences)

Chariot-horses (3 Occurrences)

Amminadib (1 Occurrence)

Accumulated (4 Occurrences)

Choicest (32 Occurrences)

Collected (55 Occurrences)

Hamstrung (4 Occurrences)

Barak (14 Occurrences)

Stationed (49 Occurrences)

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)

Kishon (6 Occurrences)

Fourteen (26 Occurrences)

Wheels (30 Occurrences)

Pursued (75 Occurrences)

Hocked (4 Occurrences)

12000 (7 Occurrences)

Mustered (28 Occurrences)

Zair (1 Occurrence)

Libyans (6 Occurrences)

Leaveth (25 Occurrences)

Goyim (7 Occurrences)

Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)

Thirty-two (15 Occurrences)

Ethiopians (11 Occurrences)

Drivers (11 Occurrences)

Cushites (10 Occurrences)

Cavalry (11 Occurrences)

Captureth (24 Occurrences)

Torches (18 Occurrences)

Picked (43 Occurrences)

Rely (31 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Horsemen (63 Occurrences)

Iron (104 Occurrences)

Commanders (93 Occurrences)

Reserved (28 Occurrences)

Haggoyim (3 Occurrences)

Captains (159 Occurrences)

Fleeth (54 Occurrences)

Farthest (33 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Troops (92 Occurrences)

Bestowed (43 Occurrences)

Arameans (61 Occurrences)

Nine (55 Occurrences)

Whirlwind (33 Occurrences)

Passeth (100 Occurrences)

Edomites (22 Occurrences)

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Fir (22 Occurrences)

Horse (62 Occurrences)

Accompanied (43 Occurrences)

Pharaoh's (72 Occurrences)

Rage (43 Occurrences)

Officers (171 Occurrences)

Quiver (9 Occurrences)

40000 (3 Occurrences)

20000 (4 Occurrences)

Za'ir (1 Occurrence)

Rush (35 Occurrences)

Official (45 Occurrences)

Jabin (8 Occurrences)

Jeho'ram (21 Occurrences)

Lubims (2 Occurrences)

Lubim (4 Occurrences)

Galloping (4 Occurrences)

Wagons (14 Occurrences)

Chariots used in War by The: Egyptians
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