The horse, a noble and powerful animal, holds significant mention in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of its exportation from Egypt. In ancient times, Egypt was renowned for its horses, which were highly valued for their strength and utility in warfare and transportation. The exportation of horses from Egypt is a notable aspect of biblical history, reflecting the economic and military interactions between Egypt and other nations.

Biblical References:

1. Solomon's Importation of Horses:
King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, engaged in extensive trade, including the importation of horses from Egypt. This is documented in 1 Kings 10:28-29 : "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram."

Solomon's acquisition of horses from Egypt underscores the strategic importance of these animals in bolstering his military capabilities. The horses were not only a symbol of wealth and power but also a crucial component of his chariotry, enhancing the effectiveness of his army.

2. Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses:
The Torah contains specific instructions regarding the accumulation of horses, particularly for the king of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:16 states: "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more of them, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’"

This command reflects a divine caution against reliance on military might and foreign alliances, emphasizing trust in God rather than in the strength of horses. The prohibition also serves as a reminder of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, discouraging any return to former dependencies.

3. Symbol of Military Power:
Throughout the Bible, horses are often associated with military strength and conquest. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet warns against reliance on Egyptian horses: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

This passage highlights the temptation to depend on human power and resources, such as the horses of Egypt, rather than seeking divine guidance and protection.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, Egypt was a prominent center for horse breeding and trade. The horses of Egypt were esteemed for their quality and were sought after by neighboring nations. The exportation of horses from Egypt facilitated not only economic exchange but also cultural and military interactions.

The biblical narrative reflects the broader historical context in which horses played a vital role in the development of warfare and transportation. The acquisition of horses from Egypt by Israelite kings, such as Solomon, illustrates the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the strategic importance of these animals in maintaining and expanding political power.

Theological Implications:

The biblical references to the exportation of horses from Egypt carry theological significance, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The warnings against reliance on Egyptian horses serve as a reminder of the need for faith and dependence on divine provision rather than human strength. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to avoid the pitfalls of seeking security in worldly power and alliances.1 Kings 10:28,29
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 9:25,28
And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. ... [Not the Nile, but
the Wady el Arish, the frontier between Southern Syria and Egypt. Cf. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Egypt in the Ramesside period was, as we have seen, distinguished for the highest ...
of industry; it had also a population which imported and exported more raw ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Memphite Empire
... flocks of goats or sheep, but the horse and camel ... like the desert to the east of
Egypt, by terrible ... and manganese, and turquoises, which they exported to the ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

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