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 14:9And 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 Library The Doom of the Antichrist The Close of the Theban Empire Egypt The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Palestine under Pagan Kings. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Reaction against Egypt Resources What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view weapons of mass destruction / nuclear weapons? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elisha in the Bible? | 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) |