Chariots, Horses, and the Name

Psalm 20:7. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." In David's world, chariots and horses were the tanks and fighter jets of the age. To have them was to be strong. To lack them was to be at the mercy of whoever did.

The psalm does not say that chariots are useless or that horses are wicked. It says that trusting in them is a choice, and that God's people make a different one. The contrast is between what can be counted and the Name that cannot be measured.

Every generation has its chariots. Money in the account, the right connections, a strong résumé, a good insurance policy, a plan for every contingency. None of these are sins. All of them become idols the moment we lean our full weight on them. This Wednesday, take a moment to ask what you would panic about losing. That is probably your chariot. Then say verse 7 slowly and lean somewhere sturdier.