How Many Chariots Did Pharaoh Have?
Quick Summary
Pharaoh's army is said to have included 600 select chariots, along with all other chariots of Egypt, according to Exodus 14:7. This impressive force was deployed in pursuit of the Israelites during the Exodus, showcasing Egypt's military strength and the dramatic tension of Israel's escape.
Introduction
The story of Pharaoh's chariots chasing the Israelites is one of the most vivid scenes in the Old Testament. It symbolizes the power of empire and the desperation of God's people as they flee slavery. When asking how many chariots Pharaoh had, the Bible gives a specific answer—and it's worth exploring what it means, historically and theologically.
Pharaoh's Chariots in Exodus
In Exodus 14:7, the text says:
"He took six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them."
This verse clearly identifies two categories:
600 "picked" chariots – These were elite, hand-selected units, likely equipped with the best soldiers and equipment.
"All the other chariots of Egypt" – A broader group that suggests a much larger total force, though the number is not specified.
So, while the Bible specifies 600 elite chariots, the overall number of Egyptian chariots was considerably higher.
Historical Context: Chariots in Ancient Egypt
Chariots were introduced to Egypt around 1600 BCE, likely by the Hyksos, and became a crucial part of their military. By the time of the Exodus (traditionally dated between the 15th and 13th centuries BCE), chariots were seen as a symbol of Egypt's military power.
Egyptian chariots were typically light, two-wheeled vehicles drawn by horses and crewed by a driver and an archer. They allowed for quick mobility on flat terrain and were highly effective in open battlefield engagements. The mention of hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of chariots underscores the danger Israel faced and the miracle of their deliverance.
Theological Significance
The chariots represent not only Egypt’s strength but also Israel’s vulnerability. The parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh’s chariots demonstrate God's superiority over human power. As the waters returned and engulfed the Egyptian forces, it became a symbol of God's deliverance and judgment.
In the biblical imagination, chariots also came to symbolize false hope in military strength. Psalm 20:7 says:
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Other Biblical Mentions of Egyptian Chariots
Exodus 15:4 – In the Song of the Sea, it is said: "Pharaoh's chariots and his army he cast into the sea."
Deuteronomy 11:4 – Recalls how God "made the water of the Red Sea flow over them as they pursued you."
Psalm 136:15 – "But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever."
These references emphasize the role of the chariots as instruments of power that were ultimately destroyed by God's hand.
Works Consulted
Currid, John D. Exodus, Volume 2. Evangelical Press, 2001.
Kitchen, K.A. On the Reliability of the Old Testament. Eerdmans, 2003.
Hoffmeier, James K. Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1999.
FAQ
Q: How many chariots did Pharaoh have?
A: Exodus 14:7 says Pharaoh had 600 elite chariots and "all the other chariots of Egypt," suggesting a much larger total number.
Q: What made the 600 chariots "picked" or special?
A: They were likely the best-trained, most advanced units in Pharaoh's army, similar to a modern-day elite strike force.
Q: What happened to Pharaoh’s chariots?
A: According to Exodus, they were destroyed when the Red Sea closed back upon them as they pursued the Israelites.
Q: Are chariots mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
A: Yes, frequently. They often represent military might but are contrasted with trust in God (see Psalm 20:7).
