16. Chariots of Fire
We are meditating about the appearance in 2 Kings 2 of the chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated Elijah from Elisha. We are told how Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. 2 Kings 2.11
What does it mean? Elisha saw it and cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!' Now the same words are uttered by Joash the king of Israel who came down to see Elisha when he became sick with the illness of which he was to die, 2 Kings 13.14. Joash wept over him and cried, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!'
What does it mean? We are told in Psalm 68 of the chariots of God which are myriads, thousands upon thousands, Psalm 68.17. Surely, this speaks of the mighty power of God.
We are reminded of the chariots of Pharaoh in Exodus 14. Six hundred select chariots, and many other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them, Exod 14.7. But the same chariots and horsemen, Pharaoh's army, were drowned in the Red Sea. And Israel sang the wonderful Song of Moses after that great deliverance, in Exodus 15.
Psalm 20.7 speaks of those who boast in chariots and in horses, but 'we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.' Isaiah 31.1 warns those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong. Isaiah goes on to say that the Egyptians are men and not God, and their horses are flesh and not spirit. And it is shameful that Israel seeks the help of [a broken reed like] Egypt and is not looking to the 'God of deliverances', Ps 68.20.
Habakkuk speaks of God who comes in great power and wrath ... who rides on His horses of fire and His chariots of salvation, Hab 3.8. The LORD of hosts is with us. He burns the chariots [of Egypt] with fire, Ps 46.7,9. He breaks the chariots of iron. We will not fear. The hosts of heaven are there to aid us; the angels are there to render service to those who will inherit God's salvation, Heb 1.14.
May we have faith in the Lord of Hosts! May we see the chariots of fire! May we have the holy boldness and divine power of those two wonderful prophets of God!
posted by prolix at
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