Chariots Of The Sun
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Chariots Of The Sun in the Bible?
2 Kings 23:11 records that King Josiah removed the horses and chariots of the sun that had been placed in the temple by the kings of Judah and burned the chariots.
SIGNIFICANCE
This passage demonstrates the syncretistic religious practices that occurred in Judah, where Yahwism incorporated elements of Canaanite solar worship, and highlights Josiah's reforms as an effort to purify the Temple from these foreign influences.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Chariots Of The Sun were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chariots Of The Sun in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chariots Of The Sun clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Kings 23:11
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chariots Of The Sun." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chariots-of-the-sun/