In biblical times, horses were significant animals, often associated with strength, speed, and warfare. The term "horse-heels" appears in the context of military imagery and is notably mentioned in the blessings and prophecies of Jacob over his sons. The reference to horse-heels is found in Genesis 49:17, where Jacob speaks to his son Dan: "Dan shall be a serpent by the road, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward" .

This imagery of biting the horse's heels is symbolic of cunning and strategic warfare. The serpent, representing Dan, is depicted as using guile and surprise to defeat a more powerful enemy. By attacking the horse's heels, the serpent causes the rider to fall, illustrating how a seemingly weaker force can overcome a stronger one through clever tactics. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using the humble and unexpected to achieve His purposes.

Horses in the Bible are often associated with chariots and the might of armies, as seen in various Old Testament passages. For instance, in Exodus 14:23, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with horses and chariots, demonstrating their military power. Similarly, in 1 Kings 10:26, Solomon amassed chariots and horses, signifying wealth and strength.

The mention of horse-heels in Genesis 49:17 also highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Just as a serpent can strike unexpectedly, believers are reminded to be watchful and discerning in their spiritual lives, aware of the subtle attacks that can lead to downfall.

In the broader biblical narrative, horses and their heels serve as a metaphor for the balance between strength and vulnerability. While horses represent power, their heels are a point of weakness that can be exploited. This duality serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God's wisdom and strength rather than solely on human might.

Overall, the concept of horse-heels in the Bible underscores the themes of strategic wisdom, the unexpected triumph of the seemingly weak, and the necessity of spiritual vigilance.

Climbing the Mountain
... to Mont Blanc, the king of the Alps, is a descent, and on the great mountain passes
there are frequent spots where the load runs readily at the horse's heels. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/climbing the mountain.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.

//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Dan is a lion's whelp that leapeth forth from Bashan" on the Hermon;* "a serpent
in the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse's heels, so that his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Horse-heels (2 Occurrences)
Horse-heels. Horse-gate, Horse-heels. Horsehoofs . Multi-Version
Concordance Horse-heels (2 Occurrences). Genesis 49 ...
/h/horse-heels.htm - 6k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... occurs only in Genesis 49:17: "Da shall be a serpent (nachash) in the way, An adder
(shephiphon) in the path, That biteth the horse'sheels, So that his rider ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Viper (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, That bites
the horse'sheels, so that his rider falls backward. (See RSV NIV). ...
/v/viper.htm - 10k

Grease (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) An inflammation of a horse'sheels, suspending the ordinary greasy secretion
of the part, and producing dryness and scruffiness, followed by cracks ...
/g/grease.htm - 7k

Falleth (119 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent in the way, An adder in the path, That biteth
the horse'sheels, So that his rider falleth backward. (ASV DBY JPS YLT). ...
/f/falleth.htm - 37k

Tumbles (1 Occurrence)
... Tumbles (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder
in the path, That bites the horse'sheels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/t/tumbles.htm - 6k

Rider (26 Occurrences)
... (WEY NIV). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path,
That bites the horse'sheels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/r/rider.htm - 15k

Backward (39 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, That
bites the horse'sheels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/b/backward.htm - 18k

Backwards (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent on the way, A horned snake on the
path, Which biteth the horse'sheels, So that the rider falleth backwards. ...
/b/backwards.htm - 7k

Bites (5 Occurrences)
... Bites (5 Occurrences). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder
in the path, That bites the horse'sheels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/b/bites.htm - 7k

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