Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, power, and military might. It was often associated with warfare and the ability to conquer and defend. However, the Scriptures provide a nuanced view of reliance on horses, particularly emphasizing the futility of depending on them for ultimate safety and deliverance.The Bible frequently cautions against placing trust in horses as a means of security. In Psalm 33:17, the psalmist declares, "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." This verse underscores the idea that, despite their impressive power and speed, horses are ultimately inadequate for ensuring safety and deliverance. The emphasis is on the futility of relying on human or earthly means rather than on God. Similarly, in Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen. But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." Here, the reliance on horses and chariots is contrasted with the failure to seek divine assistance. The passage highlights the spiritual danger of trusting in military power and alliances instead of placing faith in God. The biblical narrative of the Exodus further illustrates this theme. In Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops." Despite their formidable military force, the Egyptians were ultimately defeated by the power of God, demonstrating the insufficiency of horses and chariots against divine intervention. Proverbs 21:31 also reflects this sentiment: "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." This proverb acknowledges the practical preparation of using horses in warfare but ultimately attributes success to the sovereignty of God. It serves as a reminder that human efforts, while necessary, are subordinate to divine will. Throughout the Bible, the horse is depicted as a creature of great utility and strength, yet it is consistently portrayed as inadequate for providing true security. The biblical authors use the image of the horse to teach a deeper spiritual truth: that reliance on God, rather than on human strength or military might, is the only sure foundation for safety and deliverance. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 33:17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 21:31 Library The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ... The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth" A Solemn Deprival Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Visit to Ceylon and Return to Benares. The Poor Man's Friend The Best Beloved A Compendious view of the Christian Life. The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works The Pharisee and the Publican Resources Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Horse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Horse used by the Egyptians in War Horse: Dedicated to Religious Uses Horse: Description of a Vain Thing for Safety Horse: Description of Great Strength Horse: Description of Snorting and Neighing of Horse: Description of Swifter than Eagles Horse: Forbidden to the Kings of Israel Horse: Israel Reproved for Keeping The Horse in Battle Protected by Armour The Horse used for Bearing Burdens The Horse used for Conveying Posts The Horse used for Drawing Chariots The Horse used for Mounting Calvary The Horse: A Dull Headstrong Disposition The Horse: Adorned With Bells on the Neck The Horse: Beauty of the Church The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Bay The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Black The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Grisled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Pale or Ash Colour The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Red The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Speckled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: White The Horse: Dedicated to the Sun by Idolaters The Horse: Endued With Strength by God The Horse: Fed on Grain and Herbs The Horse: Fierce and Impetuous The Horse: Glorious and Triumphant Deliverance of the Church The Horse: Governed by Bit and Bridle The Horse: Hard Hoofs of, Alluded To The Horse: Impetuosity of the Wicked in Sin The Horse: Kings and Princes Rode On The Horse: Loud Snorting of, Alluded To The Horse: Notice of Early Traffic In The Horse: Numbers of, Kept for War The Horse: Often Suffered in Battle The Horse: Often Suffered in the Hoof from Prancing The Horse: Often Suffered: from Bites of Serpents The Horse: Often Suffered: from Blindness The Horse: Often Suffered: from Murrain The Horse: Often Suffered: from Plague The Horse: Prepared and Trained for War The Horse: Sold in Fairs and Markets The Horse: The Jews: Brought Back Many, from Babylon The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Multiplying The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Trusting To The Horse: The Jews: Forbidden to Multiply The Horse: The Jews: Imported from Egypt The Horse: The Jews: Multiplied in Solomon's Reign The Horse: The Jews: Not to Trust In The Horse: Vanity of Trusting To The Horse: Want of Understanding In, Alluded To The Horse: Warlike in Disposition Related Terms |