Topical Bible: Horse: Bits For

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In biblical times, horses were significant animals, often associated with strength, warfare, and transportation. The use of bits for horses is mentioned in the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of control and guidance over these powerful creatures. The bit, a small piece of metal placed in the horse's mouth, is used to direct and manage the animal's movements, symbolizing the ability to control something much larger and stronger than oneself.

Biblical References:

1. James 3:3 : "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal." This verse from the Epistle of James uses the metaphor of a horse's bit to illustrate the power of the tongue. Just as a small bit can control a large horse, so too can the tongue influence the course of one's life. The imagery underscores the necessity of self-control and the impact of words.

2. Psalm 32:9 : "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you." Here, the psalmist advises against being stubborn or lacking understanding, akin to a horse or mule that requires a bit and bridle for direction. The verse emphasizes the value of wisdom and willingness to follow divine guidance, rather than needing external control.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, horses were primarily used in warfare and by the elite, as they were expensive to maintain. The bit was an essential tool for charioteers and riders, allowing them to maneuver horses effectively during battle or travel. The control of a horse through a bit was a common and practical experience for those familiar with equestrian practices, making it a relatable metaphor for biblical authors.

Symbolism and Application:

The bit's symbolism extends beyond its practical use, representing the broader theme of control and submission. In a spiritual context, the bit can be seen as a metaphor for divine guidance and the necessity of yielding to God's will. Just as a horse is guided by its rider, believers are encouraged to submit to the direction of the Holy Spirit, allowing their lives to be steered by God's wisdom and purpose.

The biblical references to bits for horses serve as a reminder of the importance of discipline, both in speech and in life. They call for a recognition of the power of small things—whether a bit or a word—and their potential to influence and direct the course of events.

Nave's Topical Index

James 3:3
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Visiting Relatives in the East
... While on our return trip we stopped at the little town of Lincoln to water our horses,
and George took the bits out of the horse's mouth to let him drink. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xviii visiting relatives in.htm

When Diamond Got Round the Corner of the Hay...
... This Diamond did very gently for a minute or so, and patted and stroked his neck
too, and kissed the big horse, and had begun to take the bits of straw and hay ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 2 when diamond got.htm

John iv. 54; v. 1
... labor did not restrain us, He next gave us a law containing many commandments, imposing
it on us like bits and curbs placed upon an unruly horse to restrain ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvi john iv 54.htm

A Peal of Bells
... The word is translated by some critics, "bells," by others, "bits," by some, "frontlets ...
written, so in every article that shall be by the horse shall holiness ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a peal of bells.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... "Be ye not as the horse, or as ... the appearance of evil, and shun every false way with
delicate sensitiveness of mind, we shall hear little about bits and bridles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

Meanwhile Florian Varillo had not Gone to Naples. ...
... on which his name was written, and tearing it up in small bits scattered the ... francs,
he called a gay "Buona notte, Signor!" and turning his horse's head jogged ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxi meanwhile florian varillo had.htm

Helena , Mother of the Emperor Constantine. --Her Zeal in the ...
... the nails she ordered to be formed into the bridle of his horse, not only ... century,
sending a piece to Sulpicius Severus, says that though bits were frequently ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvii helena mother of.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... So he has; but all that he sees is a few bits of glass, which alter their ... there seemed
to come down to the beach at Brighton a huge black horse, which went ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

Acts xv. 35
... seek what is good for them: we call in both horse-feeders and horse-doctors, and ...
figure, and yet no one puts curbs on her, and leg-ties, and bits, nor mounts ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

And Disputes
... Any funeral would bring him straight from his horse to pray at the bier. ... It was a
clear case of Vampire. The man must be dug up, cut to bits, and burnt. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vii name disputes.htm