The Chariots of God

To David and the people of his time, chariots were devastating weapons of war. Historian John Keegan has commented that chariots changed the nature of warfare and made possible new types of attack. Armies equipped with chariots caused overwhelming fear.

Nations like Israel were often terrified by the chariots of neighboring superpowers. But David realized that “the chariots of God” were greater and more powerful than any man-made weapon, even chariots.

When it looked like Israel was overwhelmed, Elisha, too, recognized that God’s army surrounded him. He prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes so that he could see that “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17). They had nothing to fear.

When confronted by Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was not afraid. He told His disciples, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). He knew that God’s forces outnumbered any opposition He faced.

Are you experiencing fear in your life? Does it seem that the forces around you are invincible? Does defeat seem inevitable? God’s mighty army is surrounding you. And it is available to help and protect you. Don’t be dismayed or discouraged by your adversaries. God’s power is greater than any force on earth. Like David, learn that you can trust in Him in all aspects of your life.