Verse 4
"The chariots rage in the streets; they rush to and fro in the broad ways: the appearance of them is like torches; they run like lightnings."
A number of commentators mention the fact that some very fanciful interpretations have been imposed upon this verse.
"Were it not so common a view, who could believe that sober men would attempt to see in words like these references to railroads, electric cars, and automobiles ? ... It is an instance of the careless way in which men read Scripture."[17]
What is meant, of course, is the war chariots of the victorious besiegers, glistening brightly in the sun from their polished metal weapons or ornaments, or perhaps carrying torches at night for the incineration of buildings in the ruined city. No actual description of such things was given, only a dramatic impression of swift and invincible destruction. It is not clear whether the chariots here belong to the defenders or the attackers; scholars may be cited as advocating either view.
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