Chariot Wheels

Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Lead On O King Eternal"1 (Lyrics)

Exodus 14:25 – He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." (NIV)

1 Chronicles 28:18b – He also gave him the plan for the chariot, that is, the cherubim of gold that spread their wings and shelter the ark of the covenant of the Lord. (NIV)

Recently, I watched an amazing, three-part documentary that makes a case for the discovery of what appears to be ancient chariot wheels at the bottom of the Red Sea. Interestingly, fossilized human and horse remains were also found. Underwater cameras have filmed numerous chariot-like objects encrusted in coral; the wheels have four, six, or eight spokes, which were used only during the 18th Dynasty, the time of Israel's exodus from Egypt. One particular wheel, unattached to coral, drew special attention, since the wood was overlaid with gold. Though it is very fragile, this unique finding remains untarnished by time.

Subsequently, while watching the movie "Solomon", I could not help but notice the presence of chariot wheels beneath the wings of the cherubim ornamenting the holy temple of the Lord. Reflecting on the mysterious image of these creatures, I turned to the Bible for better understanding. In most cases, they are associated with the throne of God; however, the wheels may also denote His power to come swiftly to our rescue in times of trouble.

These two different films, depicting two distinct chariots, presented some striking parallels and contrasts. In one setting, broken wheels scattered across the bottom of the Red Sea speak of the power of God; and in the temple, wheels of gold remind us of God's glory and grace. In one situation, an earthly power was brought down to the depths of the ocean; but in the other, behold a revelation of God's eternal throne. With these wonderful thoughts in mind, consider the following Scriptures:

Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (NIV)

Psalm 68:17 – The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into His sanctuary. (NIV)

Clearly, the Egyptian chariots which pursued Israel stand in stark contrast to the chariots of God — the guardians of His people. Under the Lord's command, their wheels will never be broken. So, in troublesome times, let us place our trust in Him; may His sanctuary be our refuge, and His name, our everlasting hope.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your awesome power that led the children of Israel to freedom and safety. May they be an example to this afflicted generation which desperately needs Your love and deliverance. Defend the cause of all who seek refuge in Your sanctuary; rise, O Lord, and inhabit the praises of Your people, both now and forevermore. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for a good challenge Lori.


    Very well done Lori, Blessings.


    Dear Lori: Good morning and thank you for today’s Word!
    God’s freeing the children of Israel is amazing isn’t it!


    Goose bumps this morning. GOD’S words through you filled me.
    Again, many thanks,
    (Texas)


    Lori!
    Thanks for writing.
    Grace and Peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.


    Dear Lori,
    Thank you for bringing us the remembrance of Israel’s escape from Egypt.
    Also meaningful was how the Lord protects when we trust in Him as we face times of difficulty. Praise Him! God bless you.


    Lori it was nice to read your devotional this morning. Your account of the documentary and the movie was revealing to us. It is amazing how history and the Bible support each other.
    Your point, of understanding that in times of trouble we must depend on Him to protect us, is great to remember.


    Lori, Thanks for this informative devotional. I did the math on that last passage, and if my interpretation of the wording and figures are correct, the minimum number of our Lord’s chariots are 1,010,000! Amazing! Our Lord’s words to Pilate lept to my mind when he said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53 (NIV) or 72,000 plus angels! (A legion originally being 6,000 plus other detachments.)
    Still interceding for you guys.
    Blessings.


    Good Morning Lori:
    What a powerful historical message of interest you have blessed us with once more. Your messages are truly the works of our Lord revealed through your penmanship and devotion after much searching of scripture.
    Your beautiful words of assurance “in troublesome times, let us place our trust in Him; may His sanctuary be our refuge, and His name, our everlasting hope” are indeed words we all need to hear in these days of unsettlement everywhere. We see so much dismay and heartache in this world, families being uprooted, countries at war, jobs being lost with so many losing everything they have and through it all Satan is having a field day here on planet earth. Some folks trust in their church, others in their loved ones and still more in the rulers of the land for a change that will save them and their children from a life of heartache and discontentment. However as your words assure us it is, in the Living Living God, we must place our trust if we ever hope to find our way back to a security only He can bring into our lives.
    May you and yours have a peaceful and pleasant day.


    Thank you Lori,
    This devotional was” right up my alley” as the saying goes. I love the history of the Exodus. I knew the path that God made had to be the width of at least a seventeen-lane highway in order to get the Israelites to the other side in one night, but I did not consider the chariot that would else have overtaken the Israelites. What an insight that was to me. I somehow or other neglected the chariots getting stuck in that gooey mud. And from having had many a motor car wheel stuck I can well imagine the frustration of the Egyptians. It must have been hard and frustrating to those Egyptians kicking metal chariot wheels while the Israelites were getting further and further away. God knows how to frustrate the enemies of His own.
    Nor did I know anything about the discovery of those wheels and I am certain the golden wheel was purposely left there to frustrate any doubters later on. Our God always works perfectly in every deliverance.
    Thanks again!


    Thank you Lori, Once again you said more than all the right things. Its like we are all on the same page.


    Dear Lori
    Your devotionals are such an inspiration and encouragement. Strength from the Lord comes in the most trying times and you are an example to me. Your words are written from a heart filled with raw emotion. God bless you each day as you study and share your thoughts with all of us.


    I love the supernatural things of God and you really bring them to life Lori. Love, love, love your writing!!!


    Where would I be if there were no devotionals to inform and encourage. Yours are especially supportive, Lori, thank you.


    I have heard of the documentary you refer to concerning the chariot wheels, but can not seem to find it. I would like to find out more about it. Thank you so much.

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