Those “Chariots of Iron”

The LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. —Judges 1:19

Judah was able to dispense with the infantry in the mountain, but was unable to defeat the iron chariots in the valley. Valley experiences are tough enough, but 900 armored chariots make them even harder (cf. Judges 4:3).

Our text says, “The Lord was with Judah,” yet they still “could not” drive out the “armored tanks” of the Canaanites. There is a similar situation in the New Testament. In Mark 6:7, Jesus gave the disciples power over unclean spirits. Yet, three chapters later, even with the Lord with them, they encountered a devil that they “could not” cast out (Mk. 9:17-18). Why? When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out the unclean spirit, Jesus answered, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mk. 9:29). In other words, some demonic forces are tougher than others. Some demons/sins ride in “iron chariots.”

The iron chariots represent problems, sins, Satanic opposition that are well fortified. They are not easily defeated. Some spiritual battles require extra “effort” to bring these iron chariots to a halt.

When (not “if”) we encounter “chariots of iron” in our life they should drive us to our knees in prayer and set us to fasting for God’s help. Only then, can they be driven out of our life.