from רָכַב; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the upper millstone; chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rekeb**, represented by `{{H7393}}`, is a term for a **vehicle**, most commonly translated as **chariot**. Derived from the root `{{H7392}}` **râkab** ("to ride"), it appears **120 times** across **104 unique verses**. While its primary meaning is a chariot, its application extends to refer to a team of horses, cavalry, a wagon, and by analogy, an upper **millstone** [[Judges 9:53]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7393}}` is a prominent symbol of military power. Egypt's army, for instance, pursued the Israelites with "six hundred chosen **chariots**, and all the **chariots** of Egypt" [[Exodus 14:7]]. The military advantage of Israel's enemies was often measured by their possession of "chariots of iron" [[Judges 1:19]]. The word is also used to depict supernatural power, as seen in the "chariot of fire" that carried Elijah to heaven [[2 Kings 2:11]] and the heavenly army of "horses and **chariots** of fire" that protected Elisha [[2 Kings 6:17]]. In a striking metaphor, the prophet Elisha himself is called "the **chariot** of Israel, and the horsemen thereof," signifying his role as the nation's spiritual defense [[2 Kings 13:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of `{{H7393}}`:
* `{{H7392}}` **râkab** (to ride): As the root of **rekeb**, this word describes the action associated with a chariot. The two are used together in God's declaration to "break in pieces the **chariot** `{{H7393}}` and his **rider** `{{H7392}}`" [[Jeremiah 51:21]].
* `{{H5483}}` **çûwç** (horse): The horse is the essential animal power for the chariot. The two terms are frequently paired to represent a complete military unit, as seen in the admonition, "Some trust in **chariots**, and some in **horses**: but we will remember the name of the LORD" [[Psalms 20:7]].
* `{{H6571}}` **pârâsh** (horseman): This term for cavalry or a chariot driver is often used alongside **rekeb** to describe an army's forces. Isaiah warns against relying on Egypt for help, trusting in "**chariots**... and in **horsemen**" [[Isaiah 31:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7393}}` is significant, often contrasting human strength with divine power.
* **Misplaced Trust:** Scripture repeatedly warns against placing faith in military technology like chariots. Trusting in a multitude of chariots, rather than the Lord, is a recurring theme of human folly and a path to judgment ([[Psalms 20:7]], [[Isaiah 31:1]]). Israel is specifically told not to fear enemies with superior numbers of horses and **chariots** because God is with them [[Deuteronomy 20:1]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** God uses empires and their **chariots** as instruments of his will, as when he brought Nebuchadrezzar against Tyrus [[Ezekiel 26:7]]. However, God also promises to destroy these same instruments of war, cutting off the **chariot** to establish his own peace [[Zechariah 9:10]].
* **Symbol of Divine Power:** While human chariots are fallible, the concept is used to illustrate God's transcendent might. The psalmist declares that "The **chariots** of God are twenty thousand" [[Psalms 68:17]], and the **chariots** of fire surrounding Elisha reveal a heavenly army far superior to any earthly force [[2 Kings 6:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7393}}` is much more than a word for a vehicle. It is a powerful symbol in Scripture representing the pinnacle of human military might, the folly of trusting in that might, and the awesome, superseding power of God. From the iron chariots of the Canaanites to the fiery chariot of Elijah's ascension, the word **rekeb** consistently serves to contrast the limitations of worldly strength with the infinite power and authority of God.
TRV