Topical Encyclopedia
The horse, a majestic and powerful creature, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, speed, and war. One of the more vivid descriptions of the horse is its loud snorting, which is alluded to in the context of its readiness for battle and its formidable presence.
In the book of Job, the horse's snorting is depicted as a sign of its eagerness and fearlessness in the face of conflict.
Job 39:19-25 provides a detailed portrayal of the horse's attributes, emphasizing its strength and indomitable spirit. The passage reads:
"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, 'Aha!' He scents the battle from afar, the shouts of captains and the cry of war."
This passage highlights the horse's snorting as an expression of its readiness and enthusiasm for the fray. The imagery of the horse snorting at the sound of the trumpet and sensing the battle from afar underscores its role as a creature of war, embodying courage and vigor.
The allusion to the horse's snorting serves as a metaphor for the anticipation and fervor that accompany the onset of battle. It reflects the horse's innate qualities, which are harnessed by warriors to achieve victory. The horse's snorting is not merely a physical characteristic but a representation of its spirited nature and its integral role in the biblical narrative of warfare.
Throughout the Scriptures, the horse is a symbol of might and swiftness, often associated with chariots and armies. The loud snorting of the horse, as depicted in Job, captures the essence of its power and the awe it inspires. This vivid imagery serves to remind readers of the horse's significance in biblical times as a creature of strength and an instrument of divine purpose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 8:16The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJob 39:20
Can you make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgHorse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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