Topical Bible: The Horse: Kings and Princes Rode On

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In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of power, strength, and prestige, often associated with royalty and military might. The horse's significance is evident throughout the Scriptures, where it is frequently mentioned in the context of kings and princes, as well as in prophetic and poetic literature.

Symbol of Royalty and Military Power

Horses were primarily used in warfare and by the elite, as they were not common among the general populace of Israel. The horse's association with kingship and military prowess is highlighted in several passages. In 1 Kings 10:26, we read about King Solomon's extensive collection of chariots and horses: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." This accumulation of horses and chariots was a demonstration of Solomon's wealth and power, as well as his ability to defend his kingdom.

The horse's role in battle is further emphasized in the Psalms, where reliance on horses is contrasted with trust in God. 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 underscores the belief that true security and victory come from God, not from military might.

Prophetic Imagery

Horses also appear in prophetic literature, often symbolizing impending judgment or divine intervention. In the book of Zechariah, horses are used to convey messages from God. Zechariah 6:1-5 describes a vision of four chariots with horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. These horses are agents of God's will, executing His plans across the earth.

Similarly, in the book of Revelation, horses are central to the apocalyptic visions. Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a horse of a different color, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses serve as harbingers of the end times, illustrating the power and authority of divine judgment.

Poetic and Wisdom Literature

In the poetic and wisdom literature of the Bible, horses are often used metaphorically to convey strength and swiftness. Job 39:19-25 provides a vivid description of the horse's might and fearlessness 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 highlights the horse's natural attributes, which are seen as gifts from God.

Proverbs 21:31 also reflects on the limitations of human reliance on horses: "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." This proverb serves as a reminder that, despite human preparations and the strength of horses, ultimate success is determined by God's will.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were highly valued and often imported from regions such as Egypt and Anatolia. The Israelites, initially a pastoral and agrarian society, did not commonly use horses until the time of the monarchy. The introduction of horses and chariots marked a significant shift in military strategy and royal display.

The biblical narrative reflects a tension between the practical use of horses for defense and the theological emphasis on reliance upon God. Deuteronomy 17:16 warns Israel's kings against amassing horses, particularly from Egypt, as a means of ensuring that their trust remains in God rather than in military alliances or strength.

In summary, the horse in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing royal authority, military power, and divine intervention. Its presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the balance between human strength and divine sovereignty, urging believers to place their trust in God above all else.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 6:8-11
Let the royal apparel be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and the crown royal which is set on his head:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 23:23
The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding on horses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Red King
... The waters were out, and over the sward: He swam his horse like a ... And fend our princes
every one, From foul mishap and trahison; But kings that harrow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the red king.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... And look at the courtiers, look at the princes! ... the King of kings, the Prince of
the kings of the earth; no mottled steed, no prancing horse which would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

Under King John
... the bishop's hand and shewed the kings on the ... had preached upon the conduct and future
prospects of princes. ... He dismounted from his high horse, and the orphans ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ix under king john.htm

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... folk of his metropolis with the monopolies of princes; and secondly ... bishop heard
him and leapt from his horse to the ... for the sake of the King of kings, who is ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the campaign, and extort oaths of allegiance from the Syrian princes before they
had ... as he had got together another army, encouraged the Syrian kings to remain ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Provinces.
... manner the degree in which the princes and potentates ... dominions almost as if they
were kings themselves. ... which could run faster than the fleetest horse or camel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

John Augusta and his Policy, 1531-1548.
... Louis, King of Bohemia, fell from his horse when crossing ... The old line of Bohemian
Kings had come to ... by force; already (1530) the Protestant princes in Germany ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter viii john augusta and.htm

A Peal of Bells
... In splendor, kinds, princes, and judges of the land ride ... he might ride, the bit of
his horse was Holiness to ... of importance to pray to God for kings and those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a peal of bells.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... from time to time actuated the princes tributary to ... the Medes, and probably against
the kings of Urartu ... They rode bareback on untrained horses, herds of which ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... fled eastward past the "Wall of the Princes" which guarded ... to the court of one of
the local kings in central ... between his own loose knees the horse trembled in ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm