Topical Bible: The Horse: Governed by Bit and Bridle

◄ The Horse: Governed by Bit and Bridle ►

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In biblical literature, the horse is often depicted as a symbol of strength, power, and swiftness. However, it is also portrayed as an animal that requires control and guidance, often through the use of a bit and bridle. This imagery serves as a metaphor for human behavior and the necessity of divine guidance.

Biblical References

The horse is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often in the context of warfare and conquest. However, the specific imagery of the horse being governed by bit and bridle is most notably found in the Psalms. Psalm 32:9 states, "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you." This verse underscores the need for wisdom and understanding, contrasting the instinctual and often stubborn nature of the horse with the desired obedience and discernment of a faithful believer.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The bit and bridle are tools used to direct and control a horse, ensuring that it follows the rider's commands. In a spiritual context, these tools symbolize the guidance and discipline provided by God to His followers. Just as a horse requires direction to fulfill its purpose, so too do humans require divine instruction to live righteously.

The use of the bit and bridle as a metaphor highlights the importance of submission to God's will. It suggests that without divine guidance, individuals are prone to wander and act on their own impulses, much like a horse without a rider. This imagery serves as a reminder of the necessity of yielding to God's wisdom and the transformative power of His guidance.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of being governed by bit and bridle emphasizes the relationship between God and humanity. It reflects the belief that humans, in their fallen state, are in need of correction and direction. The bit and bridle represent the means by which God disciplines and instructs His people, leading them toward spiritual maturity and obedience.

This imagery also speaks to the nature of free will and the human tendency to resist divine authority. The horse's need for a bit and bridle illustrates the struggle between human autonomy and the submission required to live a life aligned with God's purposes. It serves as a call to believers to willingly accept God's guidance and to trust in His wisdom.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the metaphor of the horse governed by bit and bridle encourages believers to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life. It calls for a posture of humility and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. By submitting to God's direction, believers can avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance and experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in obedience to His commands.

The imagery also serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. These practices act as the bit and bridle in the life of a Christian, providing the necessary guidance and correction to stay on the path of righteousness.

In summary, the biblical depiction of the horse governed by bit and bridle offers profound insights into the nature of human behavior and the essential role of divine guidance. It challenges believers to embrace God's direction and to live lives marked by obedience and understanding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 32:9
Be 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

James 3:3
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... reason may the movements of men be governed and directed ... ceased?" In like manner,
unless a horse continually feel ... have his mouth abraded by a bit, [2333] he ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... by the methods of the guider, Tell every horse how he ... go astray; As with a bridle
they are governed, And kept ... for forgiveness of sin on a wafer, a bit of bread ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... races"Provincial administrators, their military and financial arrangements"Buildings
erected by Tiglath-pileser at Calah"The Bit-Khilani"Foundation of ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... herds of which followed their tribes about on their wanderings; each man caught
the animal he required with the help of a lasso, put bit and bridle on him, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... It will not suffer the soul that is governed thereby to trust only to Christ for
justification of life, but will bend the powers of the soul to trust partly to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... set a king over us, so that the land may be well governed, and we ... years later reference
is made to an expedition across the territory of Bit-Dayaukku, which is ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Whence came the invisible power that struck Paul from his horse? ... The angels now come
(Psalm 107) down to behold the sight, and rejoice to see a bit of dust and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... residence, and near the sanctuary, of his father, and from thence governed the
territories ... in the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse's heels, so ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm