Lamps used for Lighting: Chariots of War by Night
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In the ancient Near East, lamps were essential for providing light in the darkness, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Within the biblical narrative, lamps are often mentioned in various contexts, including domestic settings, religious rituals, and military operations. One intriguing use of lamps is found in the context of warfare, particularly in the strategic deployment of chariots by night.

Biblical Context and Usage

The use of lamps in military operations is notably illustrated in the account of Gideon, a judge of Israel, who employed lamps as a tactical element in his battle against the Midianites. In Judges 7:16-20, Gideon divides his 300 men into three companies, equipping each man with a trumpet and a jar containing a torch. At Gideon's signal, the men break the jars, revealing the torches, and blow the trumpets, creating an illusion of a vast army surrounding the Midianite camp. The sudden burst of light and sound causes confusion and panic among the enemy, leading to their defeat. This account highlights the strategic use of light to create psychological warfare, demonstrating the power of lamps beyond mere illumination.

Symbolism and Significance

Lamps in the Bible often symbolize guidance, revelation, and the presence of God. In the context of warfare, the use of lamps can be seen as a divine strategy, where God uses unconventional means to deliver His people. The sudden illumination provided by the lamps in Gideon's battle can be interpreted as a metaphor for divine intervention, where God's light dispels the darkness of fear and uncertainty, granting victory to His chosen leader.

Technological and Cultural Aspects

The lamps used in biblical times were typically small, handheld clay vessels fueled by olive oil. These lamps were designed to provide a steady flame, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In military contexts, the portability and simplicity of these lamps made them ideal for nighttime operations, allowing soldiers to move stealthily and coordinate attacks under the cover of darkness.

The use of chariots in warfare was a significant advancement in military technology during the biblical era. Chariots, often associated with speed and power, were formidable weapons on the battlefield. The combination of chariots and lamps in nighttime operations would have required careful planning and execution, underscoring the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient military leaders.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings have provided insights into the design and use of lamps in the ancient Near East. Excavations have uncovered various types of lamps, ranging from simple bowl-shaped designs to more elaborate forms with multiple spouts. These artifacts reveal the widespread use of lamps across different cultures and their importance in daily life, including military applications.

The strategic use of lamps in warfare, as depicted in the Bible, reflects the broader historical context of ancient military practices. Nighttime raids and ambushes were common tactics, and the ability to navigate and fight in the dark was a valuable skill. The biblical account of Gideon's victory serves as a testament to the innovative use of available resources, including lamps, to achieve military success.

Conclusion

The use of lamps in the context of chariots of war by night illustrates the multifaceted role of light in the biblical narrative. Beyond their practical function, lamps symbolize divine guidance and intervention, serving as instruments of God's deliverance in times of conflict. The account of Gideon and the Midianites remains a powerful example of how light, both literal and metaphorical, can transform the course of history.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Nahum 2:3,4
The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seven Trumpets.
... lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are ... light of an old
curiosity,""is now used for a ... to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Of these three the ablest was Constantius who, after the renewed Persian war
(337-350), became, on the death of Constans, sole Emperor. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more ... special in all ages,
have been used to promote ... thereout, into our golden hearts and lamps (Zechariah 4 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... fast sleep,[60] which detained him in that place until it was almost night; and
in ... distress, and knew not what to do; for he wanted that which used to relieve ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Resources
What did the Law mean when it referred to a lasting ordinance? | GotQuestions.org

Will there be a partial rapture? | GotQuestions.org

What was olive oil a symbol of in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Lamps

Lamps of a Succession of Heirs

Lamps of Glory of the Cherubim

Lamps of God's Guidance

Lamps of Graces of the Holy Spirit

Lamps of Ministers

Lamps of Omniscience of Christ

Lamps of Salvation of God

Lamps of Severe Judgments

Lamps of Spirit of Man

Lamps of the Word of God

Lamps of Wise Rulers

Lamps used for Lighting: Chariots of War by Night

Lamps used for Lighting: Marriage Processions

Lamps used for Lighting: Persons Going out at Night

Lamps used for Lighting: Private Apartments

Lamps used for Lighting: The Tabernacle

Lamps: (Put Out) Destruction of the Wicked

Lamps: (Totally Quenched) Complete Destruction of Those Who

Lamps: Burning

Lamps: Design of

Lamps: Illumination of the Tents of Arab Chiefs By, Alluded To

Lamps: Lighted With Oil

Lamps: Often Kept Lighting all Night

Lamps: Oil For, Carried in Vessels

Lamps: Placed on a Stand to Give Light to all in the House

Lamps: Probable Origin of Dark Lantern

Lamps: Required to be Constantly Trimmed

Lamps: Shining

Lamps: Sometimes Supplied With Oil Form a Bowl Through Pipes

Related Terms

Lampstands (10 Occurrences)

Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)

Lampstand (38 Occurrences)

Snuffers (8 Occurrences)

Snuffdishes (3 Occurrences)

Lamp (45 Occurrences)

Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences)

Tongs (6 Occurrences)

Arrangement (18 Occurrences)

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)

Lit (10 Occurrences)

Wick (10 Occurrences)

Accessories (8 Occurrences)

Utensils (72 Occurrences)

Area (66 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Virgins (33 Occurrences)

Jars (28 Occurrences)

Lightest (2 Occurrences)

Lighted (36 Occurrences)

Floral (2 Occurrences)

Foolish (259 Occurrences)

Trimmers (8 Occurrences)

Trims (2 Occurrences)

Row (26 Occurrences)

Refined (26 Occurrences)

Detachments (7 Occurrences)

Dishes (18 Occurrences)

Maidens (40 Occurrences)

Pipes (9 Occurrences)

Channels (10 Occurrences)

Arrange (19 Occurrences)

Spouts (3 Occurrences)

Snuff-trays (3 Occurrences)

Snuff-dishes (3 Occurrences)

Snuff (6 Occurrences)

Fragrant (30 Occurrences)

Pure (160 Occurrences)

Space (98 Occurrences)

Shine (62 Occurrences)

Shed (73 Occurrences)

Bowl (44 Occurrences)

Wise (422 Occurrences)

Flowers (42 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Oil (281 Occurrences)

Burn (206 Occurrences)

Perfume (202 Occurrences)

Thereon (90 Occurrences)

Seest (52 Occurrences)

Golden (86 Occurrences)

Evening (163 Occurrences)

Weight (143 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Caused (468 Occurrences)

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)

Incense (167 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Light (2869 Occurrences)

Quench (14 Occurrences)

Vestibule (36 Occurrences)

Upstairs (8 Occurrences)

Over-against (156 Occurrences)

Order (809 Occurrences)

Officials (229 Occurrences)

Olive-trees (11 Occurrences)

Lighter (10 Occurrences)

Lampsacus

Likened (9 Occurrences)

Lighteth (6 Occurrences)

Lightnings (17 Occurrences)

Lighten (19 Occurrences)

Lamplight (1 Occurrence)

Girdles (13 Occurrences)

Girded (48 Occurrences)

Waist (36 Occurrences)

Woke (10 Occurrences)

Lightning (49 Occurrences)

Lamps of Wise Rulers
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