Topical Bible: The Horse: Endued With Strength by God

◄ The Horse: Endued With Strength by God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a majestic and powerful creature, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength, speed, and war. Its significance is highlighted in various passages, illustrating both its practical use in ancient times and its metaphorical representation of divine power and human reliance on God's creation.

Creation and Strength

The horse is depicted as a creature endowed with strength by God. In the book of Job, God Himself speaks of the horse's might and fearlessness: "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?" (Job 39:19-20). This passage emphasizes that the horse's power and attributes are gifts from God, showcasing His creative authority and the intricate design of His creatures.

Symbol of War and Power

Throughout the Old Testament, horses are often associated with war and military might. In ancient Israel, horses and chariots were symbols of strength and were used in battle. The Israelites were cautioned against placing their trust in horses for deliverance, as seen in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" . This verse serves as a reminder that true security and victory come from God, not from human military power.

Prophetic Imagery

Horses also appear in prophetic literature, symbolizing various aspects of God's judgment and salvation. In the book of Zechariah, horses are part of the vision of the four chariots, representing the four spirits of heaven sent out by God (Zechariah 6:1-8). Similarly, in the book of Revelation, the four horsemen are symbolic of different forms of divine judgment upon the earth (Revelation 6:1-8). These images underscore the horse's role as an instrument of God's will, whether in executing judgment or delivering messages.

Divine Majesty and Human Humility

The horse's strength and beauty are often used to illustrate the majesty of God and the humility of humanity. In Proverbs 21:31, it is written, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD" . This proverb highlights the futility of relying solely on human preparations and the necessity of acknowledging God's sovereignty in all endeavors.

Conclusion

The horse, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful reminder of God's creative power and the limitations of human strength. Its presence in Scripture calls believers to recognize the source of true strength and to place their trust in the Lord, who endows His creation with purpose and might.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 39:19
Have you given the horse strength? have you clothed his neck with thunder?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
... all, even the vulgar, is, that man is endued with free ... delighteth not in the strength
of the horse; he taketh ... any opinion whatever of our own strength, if we ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 man now deprived.htm

On Genesis.
... of the circumcision is meant by "my strength, and the ... position was something like
that when a horse stumbles and ... the power of God the Father, endued the temple ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

John iv. 54; v. 1
... came down and troubled the water," and endued it with ... to restrain his prancings,
just as horse breakers do. ... Psalm 103:20 , LXX.) Want of strength causeth much ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvi john iv 54.htm

The General Deliverance
... Again: They were endued with a degree of understanding ... And if his swiftness or strength
is not equal ... Is the generous horse, that serves his master's necessity ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 60 the general deliverance.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned into corruption,
and I retained no strength" (Daniel 10:8,16). By the presence of God, when we ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Where is the Lord?
... such still is, "Tarry until ye be endued with power ... Lord, for he hath triumphed
gloriously; the horse and his ... of God; and by his own unaided strength he wins ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

The Further Adventures of Saint George.
... as an ornament, but because it was endued with many ... the rest would easily tear him
from his horse, and crush ... a dungeon, so massive that no strength could break ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter four the further adventures.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence ... war against Him that sat on the
horse, and against ... and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength and shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... not be vexed that as many as possible, endued with skill ... of infirmity, from the
withholding of strength to resist ... The simile of a lame horse, which very many ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... mind being framed to earnest attention, and endued with pious ... their respect will
be quite lost, their strength will be ... to foist a dog or a horse, to intrude ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm