The Harosheth Chariotworks
24 x 36
Gouache, chalk, pen, and pencil on canvas
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The military industrial complex is not a modern phenomenon. Here, King Jabin visits the
Harosheth Chariotworks; where Sisera assures him the campaign against Israel will be successful.
God drove seven Canaanite nations out of the land deeded by covenant to Abraham's descendants, but he tasked Israel with driving out the remaining inhabitants. Because some of the tribes were lax in executing this final task, the remnant of Canaanites attempted to reestablish a foothold. However, they were powerless to dislodge Israel from its inheritance, so they resorted to forming leagues with other nations.
In the buildup to this particular battle, the Canaanite King Jabin has teamed up with Sisera of Harosheth and made him his military commander. The Canaanites were a Hamitic people, and Harosheth belonged to the Gentiles, Thus, a league existed between the Hamitic and Gentile peoples to displace the Hebrews.
THE PRODUCTION FLOOR
This painting shows the assembling of iron chariots. The nations surrounding Israel clearly
had foundries, metal smithing, and machining capabilities, because Sisera's battle force was equipped with nine hundred of these military vehicles. This was in addition to any mounted cavalry or foot soldiers. Israel—by contrast—
would be engaging the battle on foot, with what weaponry they could muster.
TECHNOLOGICAL SUPERIORITY
The Hamitic peoples excelled in architecture and metalworking. In fact, clear Into the reign of King Saul there was no metal smith found in Israel. If a Hebrew needed to sharpen his axe or other tools, he had to go down to the Philistines to get it done. The Philistines did not want Israel to be able to craft swords and spears for battle, and kept their metal working techniques a classified secret.