How can I find each time God appears as a chariot in the Bible?
That is an interpretative question that is very difficult for anyone to answer in the forums. Are you, perhaps, thinking along the lines of Jewish Merkava mysticism?
Also not aware of God having wheels, etc
If you're alluding to God's chariot throne, the imagery shows up in Chronicles (Solomon's Temple), Ezekiel (and even more in the LXX version), and of course Daniel 7.
The closest search is Chariot NEAR throne
Extra: the imagery of thrones with wheels can be found in ancient texts; haven't seen discussion for why.
I do not know of anywhere where God is presented as a chariot in the Bible or elsewhere, but Evans and Flint's Eschatology, Messianism, and the Dead Sea Scrolls has a chapter written by James M. Scott titled "Throne-Chariot Mysticism in Qumran and in Paul" which is outlined as follows:
Introduction
Throne-Chariot Mysticism in Jewish Tradition
Old Testament
Dead Sea Scrolls
Later Jewish Literature
Throne-Chariot Mysticism in Paul
Pevious Research on the Question
Paul’s Use of Θριαμβεύειν in 2 Cor 2:14
The Jewish Background of Paul's Metaphor
The Tradition of Psalm 68:18-19
Conclusion
Thank you, Joseph ... I have that volume, and began reading.
I suppose the 'mystery' (for me now) is Chronicles assignment of a chariot-throne in the Temple by Solomon. It looks like 'the done' thing. Chronicles isn't too mystical.
Search for it! [:P]
Seriously, do a search for "chariot" which in the NIV returns many results. You'll have to sift throught them to discern the context -- i.e., whether the context is human armies, etc. This is necessary because you may not find the words God is a chariot. One verse that is illuminating to me is Habakkuk 3:8: "Were you angry with the rivers, LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory?"
The search God NEAR chariot returns two hits in the NIV.
One verse that is illuminating to me is Habakkuk 3:8: "Were you angry with the rivers, LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode your horses and your chariots to victory?"
That one's a bit tricky ... at least in the scholarly world.
James M. Scott titled "Throne-Chariot Mysticism in Qumran and in Paul"
This is the Jewish Merkava mysticism to which I referred. Under the spelling Merkabah Mysticism, it is a Logos topic against which you can run a topic guide or find a Factbook entry. A search will bring out extensive mentions in the Jewish encyclopedia, Dead Sea Scrolls, etc. Jewish Heikhalot literature is another good starting point.
This is the Jewish Merkava mysticism to which I referred.
OK, just discussing (don't actually know). And recognize you're taking a high-level view.
I just wonder what 'jewish mysticism' might even be. True, Merkabah centuries later. And popups in Eze, Dan, and Chron in the Persian/Hellenic periods. Talmud? But 'jewish' (meaning well-spread)?
I accidentally got started again on Jesus in Context: Background Readings for Gospel Study and was impressed by just how similar the patterns are. Demons and so forth. Special protective wear. Prayers that mix the deities. I wonder if modern reading has 'white-washed' (as Jesus used) what really is a whole way of thinking at the time.
The oddness is Paul (reflecting what appears to me to be educated hellenic participants) is in opposition to later writers (gospels) who push back into everyday and perfectly normal 'mystical'. Even Jesus was having trouble overcoming the powers/demons ... written long after the resurrection.
I just wonder what 'jewish mysticism' might even be.
In my twenties, in my circle of friends, Jewish mysticism was generally defined as "whatever Gershom Scholem says it is". In my thirties, in my circle of writing buddies, Jewish mysticism was generally defined as what our Jewish Kabbalist writing instructor says it is ... much narrower in scope but a much deeper dive. Gershom Scholem's works include:
For a more recent history, a Jewish companion to Bernard McGinn's series The Presence of God, turn to Joseph Dan:
As for the prominent forms and their date:
Thank you. I ordered Major Trends, and Origens of Kabbalah (Kindle). Get me started.
Logos only has Joseph Dan - $$$.
