In biblical times, the steed, or horse, was a symbol of strength, power, and swiftness. While not as commonly mentioned as other animals such as sheep or oxen, steeds held significant roles in the narratives and imagery of the Bible. The Hebrew word often translated as "horse" is "סוּס" (sus), and it appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.

Military Use and Symbolism

Steeds were primarily associated with warfare and military might. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, horses were integral to chariots and cavalry, providing a tactical advantage in battle. This is reflected in several biblical passages. For instance, in Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots," demonstrating the reliance on steeds for military pursuits.

The strength and speed of horses are often highlighted in the Bible. In Job 39:19-25, God describes the might and fearlessness of the horse, emphasizing its role in battle: "Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?" . This passage underscores the horse's valor and readiness for war.

Divine Sovereignty Over Horses

Despite their power, the Bible consistently reminds readers that true strength and victory come from God, not from military might or the number of horses. Psalm 20:7 states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" . This verse contrasts reliance on human strength with faith in divine providence.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands the kings of Israel not to accumulate many horses, warning against the temptation to depend on military power rather than on God: "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself" . This directive serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and trust in God's provision.

Prophetic Imagery

Steeds also appear in prophetic visions and apocalyptic literature, symbolizing various divine messages. In Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet sees four chariots with horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. This imagery conveys God's sovereign control over the earth and His active involvement in human affairs.

In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation uses horses in its vivid apocalyptic imagery. Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a different colored horse, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses serve as instruments of divine judgment, illustrating the unfolding of God's plan for the end times.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient world, horses were valuable and prestigious animals, often associated with royalty and wealth. Solomon, known for his wisdom and prosperity, amassed a significant number of horses and chariots, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:26: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses" . This accumulation, however, was contrary to the earlier command in Deuteronomy, highlighting the tension between human ambition and divine instruction.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the steed serves as a powerful symbol of human strength and divine sovereignty. While horses were essential for warfare and represented power and prestige, the Scriptures consistently emphasize that ultimate trust and reliance should be placed in God alone. The imagery of horses in prophetic and apocalyptic literature further underscores their role as instruments of God's will and judgment.(n.) A horse, especially a spirited horse for state of war; -- used chiefly in poetry or stately prose.6571. parash -- a horse, steed
... 6570, 6571. parash. 6571a . a horse, steed. Transliteration: parash Phonetic
Spelling: (paw-rawsh') Short Definition: horseman. horseman ...
/hebrew/6571.htm - 5k

6571a. parash -- a horse, steed
... 6571, 6571a. parash. 6571b . a horse, steed. Transliteration: parash Short
Definition: horses. Word Origin from an unused word Definition ...
/hebrew/6571a.htm - 5k

The Tournament at Constantinople.
... Upon the sixth day, the famed Champion of Wales entered the lists, mounted on a
Tartar steed, which was covered with a black cloth, to signify, as Owen ap Rice ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter twelve the tournament at.htm

The Further Adventures of Saint George.
... famed river Nile, De Fistycuff, weary with the heat, sat himself down on what he
took to be the trunk of a large tree, fastening the bridle of his steed to, as ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter four the further adventures.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... "On, on," cried Saint George, pricking forward his steed. ... Saint George couched his
sharp spear, and spurring his steed, dashed onward to the combat. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... Thrice had Saint Andrew traced his war-steed up and down the lists, flourishing
his lance, at the top whereof hung a pendant of gold, on which, in silver ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eight the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... "It's not exactly the sort of steed I'd choose, except for the honour of riding,
but I'll make him pay the piper, at all events;" whereupon he began slashing ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... conceivable style of richest armour; yet none surpassed Saint David in the
sumptuousness of his plume and burgonet, the trappings of his steed, the richness ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter ten the adventures of.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... armour. Of such strength and invincible power is your steed, that while
you are on his back no knight shall be able to conquer you. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

A New Kind of King
... The slow-pacing steed on which Jesus Christ rides will out-travel the fiery warhorse,
and will pursue its patient, steadfast path till He 'bring forth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a new kind of king.htm

Set at Liberty.
... motley following of servants and slaves. In the front of the cavalcade,
Herod, on a magnificent steed. The line of march, enlivened ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... His spear shivered against its bristly hide into a hundred fragments, when, leaping
from his steed, which he directed Pedrillo to hold, he drew his falchion of ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

Steed (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Steed (2 Occurrences). Song of Songs 1:9 I have compared
you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots. (WEB JPS ASV DBY). ...
/s/steed.htm - 7k

Steeds (11 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:13 Bind the chariot to the swift steed, O inhabitant of Lachish: she was
the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion; for the transgressions of Israel ...
/s/steeds.htm - 9k

Polygamy
... THE MOGUL 1525-1857 A war steed coursed out the wind-swept north, Jarring the crags
with hoofs of fire, Snuffing far battle with nostril wide, Neighing the joy ...
/p/polygamy.htm - 19k

Swift (35 Occurrences)
... American Standard Revised Version "dromedaries." In Micah 1:13 (rekhesh) a horse
is meant, the Revised Version (British and American) "swift steed." See CAMEL ...
/s/swift.htm - 19k

Stedfastness (17 Occurrences)

/s/stedfastness.htm - 12k

Lachish (22 Occurrences)
... This was in 701 BC, and to this period we may assign the enigmatical reference to
Lachish in Micah 1:13, "Bind the chariot to the swift steed, O inhabitant of ...
/l/lachish.htm - 22k

Inhabitress (12 Occurrences)
... Micah 1:13 Bind the chariot to the swift steed, O inhabitress of Lachish: she was
the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion; for in thee were found the ...
/i/inhabitress.htm - 10k

Team (3 Occurrences)
... governors and prefects. (YLT NAS RSV). Micah 1:13 Harness the chariot to the
swift steed, inhabitant of Lachish. She was the beginning ...
/t/team.htm - 8k

Mare (1 Occurrence)
... mar (1) cucah, "steed," the King James Version "company of horses"; Septuagint he
hippos, "mare" (Songs 1:9); (2) bene ha-rammakhim, "bred of the stud," the ...
/m/mare.htm - 7k

Beasts (241 Occurrences)
... American Standard Revised Version "dromedaries." In Micah 1:13 (rekhesh) a horse
is meant, the Revised Version (British and American) "swift steed." See CAMEL ...
/b/beasts.htm - 40k

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Steed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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