Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Chariots

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, chariots were not only instruments of war but also symbols of wealth, power, and technological advancement. The Bible references chariots in various contexts, highlighting their significance in commerce and trade, as well as their role in military and royal settings.

Biblical References and Context

Chariots are mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, often in relation to the military might of nations. For instance, in 1 Kings 10:26, Solomon's accumulation of chariots is noted: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem" . This passage underscores the importance of chariots as a measure of a king's strength and the prosperity of his kingdom.

The procurement and trade of chariots were significant aspects of ancient commerce. In 1 Kings 10:28-29, the Bible describes Solomon's trade in horses and chariots: "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram" . This passage illustrates the international trade networks and the economic value attached to chariots.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Chariots in the Bible often symbolize power and prestige. They were a technological marvel of their time, representing the pinnacle of military and transportation technology. The use of chariots in warfare is frequently mentioned, as in Exodus 14:7, where Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites involved "six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them" . This highlights the reliance on chariots for military campaigns and their role in the defense and expansion of empires.

In addition to their military use, chariots were also a status symbol for royalty and the elite. The grandeur associated with chariots is evident in 2 Kings 9:21, where King Joram and King Ahaziah ride out in their chariots to meet Jehu, signifying their royal status and authority.

Economic and Trade Implications

The trade of chariots and horses was a lucrative business in the ancient world, involving complex trade routes and diplomatic relations. The importation of chariots from Egypt, as mentioned in the account of Solomon, indicates the high demand and value placed on these vehicles. The economic implications of chariot trade extended beyond mere transportation; they were integral to the military strategies and political alliances of the time.

The production and maintenance of chariots required skilled labor and resources, contributing to the economic activity within a kingdom. The need for materials such as wood, metal, and leather for the construction of chariots stimulated various sectors of the economy, from mining to craftsmanship.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the reliance on chariots is often contrasted with trust in God. 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 serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly might.

The biblical narrative frequently challenges the notion of security found in military strength, urging believers to place their trust in divine providence rather than in the might of chariots and horses. This theme is echoed in the prophetic literature, where the downfall of nations is attributed to their misplaced trust in military power rather than in God (Isaiah 31:1).

In summary, chariots in the Bible are multifaceted symbols of commerce, power, and technological advancement. They played a crucial role in the economic and military landscapes of the ancient world, while also serving as a theological metaphor for the futility of relying on human strength over divine trust.

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1 Kings 10:29
And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.
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Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
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Library

The Destruction of Babylon.
... beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and bodies ... And these articles of traffic
are symbolized by the ... The commerce of this ecclesiastical city, has been ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... rains had swelled the streams, and thus prevented the chariots from rendering ... of
its strategic position and its favourable situation for commerce, but this ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... loose upon them a whirlwind of chariots and archers ... demands of the consumer, the
waning commerce which had ... the tomb of liakhmiri among the articles of tribute ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... son Aziru"addressed themselves to them for help in the way of chariots and men ... of
the "Royal Messengers," as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... panelled with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as articles of commerce from
the ... mix with the rest, and repair thither in closed chariots, followed by ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Meyer thinks that the extension of Phoenician commerce to the Western Mediterranean ...
him presents of precious vases, slaves, lapis-lazuli, chariots and horses ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... of the confederate tribes, some of the chariots which had ... of foreigners attracted
hither by commerce or held ... the products or manufactured articles with which ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
Commentary on Revelation. <. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... advantage of a level and firm ground for the evolutions of their chariots during
the ... palaces of the nobles of Car-chemish or Assur: the same articles of toilet ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Jeroboam II.--- Civilisation of the Hebrew kingdoms, their commerce, industries,
private life ... over him, cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm