Topical Bible: The Horse: Often Suffered: from Blindness

◄ The Horse: Often Suffered: from Blindness ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, power, and swiftness, often associated with warfare and royal processions. Horses are mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their significance in ancient cultures. However, like all creatures, horses were not immune to ailments, including blindness, which could severely impact their utility and value.

Biblical References to Horses

Horses are first mentioned in the context of Egypt, where they were used for chariots and military purposes. In Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots." This illustrates the reliance on horses for their speed and strength in battle.

In the prophetic literature, horses are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment. For instance, in Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet sees four chariots with horses of different colors, symbolizing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

Blindness in Horses

While the Bible does not explicitly mention horses suffering from blindness, the condition was likely known in ancient times. Blindness in horses can result from various causes, including injury, disease, or congenital defects. A blind horse would have been less valuable, as its ability to perform tasks such as pulling chariots or carrying riders would be compromised.

The metaphorical use of blindness in the Bible often signifies a lack of understanding or spiritual insight. In a similar way, a blind horse, unable to see the path ahead, serves as a poignant image of vulnerability and dependence.

Symbolism and Lessons

The horse's strength and speed are celebrated in Scripture, yet its potential for blindness serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent in all of creation. In Job 39:19-25, God speaks of the horse's might and fearlessness in battle, yet even this majestic creature is subject to the frailties of the natural world.

The condition of blindness, whether in humans or animals, is often used in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths. Just as a blind horse must rely on its master for guidance, so too must believers depend on God for direction and insight. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically address the issue of blindness in horses, the condition serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual reliance and the limitations of earthly strength. The horse, a creature of great power, yet vulnerable to blindness, reflects the broader biblical theme of dependence on God for true vision and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 12:4
In that day, said the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... I hold him to be miserable in his blindness, even though he ... things, no less than
of the horse-race and ... over him, that, although many have often suffered in the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Wordless Book
... we drove the spurs into that wild horse, and urged ... a matter upon which Christians
ought to meditate much and often. ... The eyes of man have suffered with his soul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the wordless book.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... come to a knowledge of himself, and He suffered him to ... Learned men often speak in
such a manner, I grant ... The simile of a lame horse, which very many adduce to ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Feast of the Lord
... in heaven we shall bless God for all we have suffered. ... And Jeremiah,"I often think
what a deal we shall ... I noticed the difference between the horse's pace in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the feast of the lord.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... From the time that Mr. Patrick Hamilton suffered, until this ... which he complied with,
preaching often and taking ... was apprehended by a party of horse detached by ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... which excites our admiration for one who suffered more from ... table far exceeded his.'
I have also often been at ... had no vehicle except a single horse chaise for ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

Texts Explained; Ninthly...
... to minister at the command of God, and often does he ... with his wives he said, God
hath not suffered Laban to ... when it charges, Be ye not like to horse and mule ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xxv texts explained ninthly.htm

Psalm LV.
... is Christ, but Christ, as we have often reminded your ... reproveth, saying, "Do not
become like horse and mule ... Thou hast suffered evil; pardon thou; be not ye two. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

The Crucifixion.
... The lictor, mounted on a white horse, stood near the ... What my Jesus suffered this
mother's heart suffered with him. ... kiss the hand which has so often blessed me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ix the crucifixion.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... our sin." It was the beast that suffered because we ... great conquerors ride through
the streets, you often hear of ... and making religion a stalking-horse for their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm