In the context of the Bible, "neighings" refers to the vocal sounds made by horses, often used metaphorically to describe certain human behaviors or situations. The term appears in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where it is employed to convey vivid imagery and moral lessons.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 5:8 : "They were well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife." In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah uses the imagery of neighing stallions to describe the rampant immorality and unfaithfulness among the people of Judah. The metaphor highlights the intensity and shamelessness of their desires, likening their pursuit of sin to the natural, instinctive behavior of animals. This serves as a powerful indictment of the people's spiritual adultery and their abandonment of God's covenant.

2. Jeremiah 8:16 : "The snorting of their horses is heard from Dan; the whole land trembles at the sound of the neighing of their stallions. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it." Here, the neighing of horses is associated with impending judgment and destruction. The sound of the enemy's horses serves as a forewarning of the Babylonian invasion, emphasizing the terror and devastation that will accompany God's judgment upon a disobedient nation.

Theological Implications:

The use of "neighings" in these passages underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual condition. The metaphor of lustful stallions in Jeremiah 5:8 illustrates the depth of the people's infidelity to God, as they pursue idolatry and moral corruption with reckless abandon. This imagery serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize their sin and return to the Lord.

In Jeremiah 8:16, the neighing of horses symbolizes the certainty and imminence of divine judgment. The vivid description of the enemy's approach is a reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and the failure to heed God's warnings. It reflects the broader biblical theme that God is both just and merciful, offering opportunities for repentance but also executing judgment when His people refuse to turn from their wicked ways.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, horses were often associated with power, speed, and military might. The neighing of horses, therefore, would have been a familiar and evocative image for the original audience of Jeremiah's prophecies. It conveyed not only the physical presence of an approaching army but also the overwhelming force and inevitability of the coming judgment.

The metaphorical use of animal behavior to describe human actions is a common literary device in the Bible, serving to communicate complex spiritual truths in relatable terms. In the case of "neighings," the imagery is particularly effective in conveying the urgency and gravity of the prophetic message.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

The biblical references to neighings serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires and the consequences of turning away from God. They remind believers of the importance of faithfulness, both in personal conduct and in their relationship with the Lord. The passages encourage self-examination and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will, highlighting the need for repentance and the hope of restoration for those who seek God's forgiveness.4684. mitshalah -- a neighing
... Definition: neighing. Word Origin from tsahal Definition a neighing NASB Word
Usage neighing (1), neighings (1). neighing. From tsahal ...
/hebrew/4684.htm - 6k

Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. )
... Thine adulteries, thy neighings, 27 Thy whorish intrigues; On the heights, in the
field have I seen Thy detestable deeds. Jerusalem! Woe unto thee! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 oracles on the edge.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... God's eye. Thou canst not sin, but thy Judge looks on. I have seen thy
adulteries and thy neighings.' Jeremiah 13:27. They have ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Neighings (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Neighings (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 8:16 From
Dan hath been heard the snorting of his horses, From the ...
/n/neighings.htm - 7k

Neighing (3 Occurrences)

/n/neighing.htm - 7k

Neither (5032 Occurrences)

/n/neither.htm - 6k

Enormity (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:27 I have seen thy adulteries, and thy neighings, the enormity of
thy lewdness, and thy abominations on the hills in the fields. ...
/e/enormity.htm - 8k

Shameless (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:27 Thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy harlotry,
on the hills in the field have I seen thy detestable acts. ...
/s/shameless.htm - 7k

Whoredom (58 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Jeremiah 13:27 I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness
of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. ...
/w/whoredom.htm - 24k

Fornication (52 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Jeremiah 13:27 Thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy
fornication, on the hills, in the fields, thine abominations, have I seen. ...
/f/fornication.htm - 24k

Fullness (31 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 8:16 From Dan hath been heard the snorting of his horses, From the voice
of the neighings of his mighty ones, Trembled hath all the land, And they ...
/f/fullness.htm - 22k

Fulness (76 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 8:16 From Dan hath been heard the snorting of his horses, From the voice
of the neighings of his mighty ones, Trembled hath all the land, And they ...
/f/fulness.htm - 30k

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