Topical Encyclopedia The horse, a symbol of strength and swiftness, played a significant role in the military strategies of ancient Egypt. In the biblical context, the use of horses by the Egyptians is often associated with their formidable chariots, which were a crucial component of their military might. The Bible provides several references to the Egyptians' reliance on horses and chariots, particularly in the context of their interactions with the Israelites.Biblical References One of the most notable mentions of Egyptian horses in the Bible is found in the account of the Exodus. As the Israelites fled from Egypt, Pharaoh pursued them with a powerful force. Exodus 14:9 states, "The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen, and troops—pursued and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon." This passage highlights the Egyptians' dependence on horses and chariots as instruments of war, emphasizing their speed and strength in pursuit. The outcome of this pursuit is further detailed in Exodus 14:23-28 , where the Egyptian chariots and horsemen are engulfed by the waters of the Red Sea. This event serves as a demonstration of God's power over the might of Egypt, as the very tools of war that symbolized Egyptian strength were rendered ineffective by divine intervention. Historical Context Historically, the introduction of the horse to Egypt is believed to have occurred during the Second Intermediate Period, around the 17th century BC, likely through the influence of the Hyksos, a foreign Semitic people who ruled parts of Egypt. The horse quickly became an integral part of Egyptian military strategy, particularly in the form of chariotry. Chariots, drawn by horses, were used for their speed and mobility, allowing the Egyptians to execute swift attacks and maneuvers on the battlefield. The chariot corps became a prestigious branch of the Egyptian military, with charioteers often depicted in Egyptian art as elite warriors. The use of horses and chariots allowed the Egyptians to expand their influence and control over neighboring regions, contributing to the establishment of the New Kingdom as a dominant power in the ancient Near East. Theological Implications In the biblical narrative, the reliance of the Egyptians on horses and chariots is often contrasted with the Israelites' dependence on God. The Psalms and the Prophets frequently remind the Israelites not to place their trust in military might but in the Lord. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This theme underscores a central biblical message: true security and victory come not from human strength or military power but from faith in God. The account of the Egyptian horses and chariots serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human power in the face of divine sovereignty. It illustrates the biblical principle that reliance on God surpasses all earthly means of security and strength. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 14:9But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 15:19 Library The Review of the Troops at Doriscus. The Story of Panthea. The Nile and Egypt The Rebuilding of the Temple. The Training of a Statesman. The Memphite Empire The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt To the Rev. A. Brandram Israel at the Red Sea Book 1. Resources Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.org What does diadem mean in the Bible? | 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 |
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