Topical Bible: The Horse: Hard Hoofs of, Alluded To

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The horse, a creature of strength and speed, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing power, war, and human might. Among the various attributes of the horse, its hard hoofs are alluded to in Scripture, emphasizing its readiness for battle and its role in the service of mankind.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 5:28 · "Their arrows are sharp, and all their bows are bent; their horses’ hooves are like flint, and their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind."
In this passage, the prophet Isaiah describes the impending judgment and the might of the invading forces. The comparison of horses' hooves to flint underscores their durability and the relentless advance of the enemy. The imagery conveys the idea of an unstoppable force, with the hard hoofs symbolizing the readiness and capability of the horses to traverse difficult terrains without faltering.

2. Jeremiah 47:3 · "At the sound of the hooves of galloping steeds, the noise of their chariots, and the rumbling of their wheels, fathers will not turn back for their children, because their hands are limp."
Here, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the terror and chaos brought by the Babylonian army. The sound of the galloping horses' hooves is a harbinger of destruction, instilling fear and helplessness. The hard hoofs, capable of producing such a formidable sound, highlight the power and speed of the approaching forces.

3. Job 39:19-25 · In this passage, God questions Job about the strength and majesty of the horse: "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? He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance. Trembling with excitement, he devours the distance; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet, he snorts with fervor. He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shouts of captains and the cry of war."
The description of the horse in Job highlights its attributes of strength, fearlessness, and eagerness for battle. The hard hoofs, though not explicitly mentioned, are implied in the horse's ability to "devour the distance" and charge into battle without hesitation. The passage celebrates the horse as a creation of God, endowed with qualities that make it an invaluable asset in warfare.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of military power and human achievement. The hard hoofs of the horse, alluded to in these passages, represent the strength and resilience necessary for warfare and conquest. They serve as a metaphor for the might of armies and the swiftness of divine judgment. The imagery of hard hoofs also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over creation, as He equips even the animals with the attributes needed to fulfill their roles in His divine plan.

The allusion to the hard hoofs of horses in Scripture serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God. While horses and their hard hoofs symbolize strength and readiness, they also point to the greater power of God, who controls the destinies of nations and the course of history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 5:28
Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm