Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, horses often symbolize military power and human reliance on strength rather than on God. The acquisition and use of horses by the Israelites, particularly for military purposes, is a subject of divine reproval, as it reflects a departure from trust in God's providence and protection.Biblical Context and Prohibition The Law of Moses explicitly warned against the accumulation of horses, especially for the purpose of returning to Egypt, a land synonymous with bondage and reliance on human power. In Deuteronomy 17:16, the Lord commands, "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This directive was intended to prevent Israel from placing their trust in military might and foreign alliances rather than in God. Solomon's Transgression King Solomon, despite his wisdom, is a notable figure who transgressed this command. In 1 Kings 10:26-28, it is recorded, "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue." Solomon's actions exemplify a direct violation of the divine command, leading to spiritual and political consequences for Israel. Prophetic Reproof The prophets frequently reproved Israel for their reliance on horses and chariots, which symbolized a misplaced trust in human strength. Isaiah 31:1 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 multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This prophetic rebuke underscores the spiritual danger of relying on military power rather than seeking divine guidance and protection. Symbol of Judgment Horses also appear as symbols of judgment in the prophetic literature. In Jeremiah 8:6, the prophet laments, "I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has followed his own course like a horse charging into battle." Here, the imagery of a horse charging into battle illustrates the headstrong and unrepentant nature of the people, leading to inevitable judgment. Divine Deliverance Without Horses The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that true deliverance and victory come from the Lord, not from military might. In Psalm 20:7, the psalmist declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse encapsulates the biblical ideal of reliance on God rather than on human instruments of war. Conclusion The biblical reproof of Israel for keeping horses serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on God over human strength and military power. The narrative encourages believers to seek divine guidance and trust in God's providence, rather than placing confidence in worldly means of security. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 2:7Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 31:1 Ezekiel 17:15 Hosea 14:3 Library The Incarnation and Birth of Christ The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God The Second Commandment Homilies on the Statues. On the Death of his Father. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Against Jovinianus. Footnotes Another Wonderful Record of 25. The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Resources What are the Christian themes in The Horse and His Boy? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Jesus going to return on a white horse? | GotQuestions.org The Haters: Hobby Horse Christians | 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 |
    |