Chariots of the Sun

Chariots Of The Sun.

The ancient Persians who worshipped the sun dedicated to that luminary certain horses and chariots, which, in allusion to his rapid course, they consecrated to him. The kings of Judah fell into this peculiar idolatry. In these chariots, the Rabbins informs us, the king and nobles rode when they went forth to meet the morning sun. The idolatrous chariots of the sun were burnt by king Josiah (2Ki 23:11). SEE SUN.

In the narrative of the translation of Elijah (2Ki 2:11), it is said "there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire," and a corrupt tradition of this miraculous ascension seems to have been preserved in the East. Mr. Roberts says, "The Hindoos believe their supreme god Siva sends his angels with a green chariot, to fetch the souls of those who are devoted to him; and there are occasionally horses, but at other times none. The holy king Tirru-Sangu (divine chank) was taken to heaven, body and soul, without the pain of dying."

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.