Topical Encyclopedia The horse, a creature of strength and majesty, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing power, war, and human pride. Despite its noble appearance, the horse is sometimes depicted as having a dull and headstrong disposition, serving as a metaphor for stubbornness and a lack of understanding.In the book of Job, the horse is described with vivid imagery that highlights its fierce and fearless nature. Job 39:19-25 portrays the horse as a creature that "laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; it does not shy away from the sword." This passage emphasizes the horse's boldness and strength, yet it also suggests a certain lack of wisdom, as the horse charges into battle without regard for its own safety. The Psalms further illustrate the limitations of relying on horses for deliverance. Psalm 33:17 states, "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." Here, the horse symbolizes misplaced trust in human power and military might, contrasting with the ultimate reliance on God for true deliverance and protection. Proverbs also uses the horse to convey lessons about human behavior. Proverbs 26:3 says, "A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!" This proverb draws a parallel between the need to control a horse's impulsive nature and the necessity of guiding those who act foolishly. The imagery suggests that, like a horse, individuals can be headstrong and require discipline to stay on the right path. In the prophetic literature, the horse often represents the futility of human efforts against divine will. 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 their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This passage criticizes the reliance on military strength, symbolized by horses, instead of seeking guidance and support from God. The New Testament also alludes to the horse in the context of eschatological visions. In Revelation 6:2-8 , the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride forth, each on a different colored horse, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses serve as instruments of divine judgment, illustrating the ultimate futility of human resistance against God's sovereign plans. Throughout Scripture, the horse serves as a powerful symbol of human ambition and the limitations of earthly strength. While admired for its might and beauty, the horse's headstrong nature and lack of understanding remind believers of the importance of humility, reliance on God, and the pursuit of divine wisdom over worldly power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 32:9Be you not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near to you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |