Cavalry
Summary
Mounted soldiers on horses or camels, used extensively by Israel's enemies and eventually adopted by Solomon despite Mosaic restrictions.
☩Foreign Cavalry
Cavalry formed a significant part of ancient armies. Egypt pursued Israel with horsemen and chariots at the Red Sea. The Philistines fielded six thousand horsemen against Saul. Foreign powers like Assyria, Babylon, and Persia were renowned for their cavalry forces, and prophets warned Israel against relying on Egypt's horsemen for deliverance.
☩Israel's Cavalry
The Mosaic law restricted Israel's kings from multiplying horses, but Solomon accumulated twelve thousand horsemen along with fourteen hundred chariots. David, after his victory over Hadadezer, hamstrung most of the captured horses, keeping only enough for a hundred chariots. Later kings continued to maintain cavalry forces.
☩Mounted on Camels
In some regions, particularly among desert peoples, camels served instead of horses for mounted warriors. The Amalekites who raided Ziklag and captured David's family escaped on camels, suggesting camel cavalry was used by nomadic raiders.
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cavalry," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).