Topical Bible: The Horse: Often Suffered: from Plague

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In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, power, and swiftness, often associated with warfare and royal processions. However, horses also frequently suffered from plagues and other calamities, as depicted in various scriptural accounts. These instances serve as reminders of the vulnerability of even the mightiest creatures to divine judgment and the natural consequences of a fallen world.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 9:3-6: In the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, the horses of the Egyptians were among the livestock afflicted by the hand of God. The plague that struck the Egyptian livestock was a severe pestilence, demonstrating God's power over the false gods of Egypt and His ability to protect the Israelites. "The hand of the LORD will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks" (Exodus 9:3). This event underscores the vulnerability of horses to divine intervention when used by nations opposing God's will.

2. Deuteronomy 28:28-31: As part of the curses for disobedience, God warned Israel that their horses would suffer. "Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be forcibly taken from you and will not be returned. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, with no one to help you" (Deuteronomy 28:31). Although horses are not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of livestock suffering due to disobedience implies that horses, as valuable assets, would also be affected.

3. Jeremiah 8:16: The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the impending judgment on Judah, where the sound of the enemy's horses is likened to a plague. "The snorting of their horses is heard from Dan; the whole land trembles at the sound of the neighing of their stallions. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it" (Jeremiah 8:16). Here, the horses are instruments of God's judgment, bringing destruction and suffering upon the land.

4. Zechariah 14:15: In the eschatological vision of Zechariah, a plague is prophesied to strike the horses of the nations that come against Jerusalem. "And the same plague will strike the horses, mules, camels, donkeys, and all the animals in those camps" (Zechariah 14:15). This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, affecting not only humans but also their animals, including horses.

Theological Implications:

The suffering of horses due to plagues in the Bible serves as a metaphor for the broader consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Horses, often seen as symbols of human pride and military might, are shown to be powerless in the face of divine judgment. This theme is consistent with the biblical narrative that emphasizes reliance on God rather than on human strength or resources.

Moreover, the affliction of horses in these accounts reflects the interconnectedness of creation, where human sin leads to the suffering of animals and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the stewardship responsibility humans have over creation and the consequences of failing to live in accordance with God's commands.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of horses suffering from plagues underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the futility of relying on earthly power. These accounts call believers to trust in God and adhere to His commandments, recognizing that true security and strength come from Him alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 14:15
And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Kumaon.
... saw on our first approach to Almora was a horse which had ... are in charge of a watchman,
who is often long in ... As we approached the snow we suffered much at night ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not ... How often in churches there are
men professing to ... unconsciously, using it as a stalking-horse, behind which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fight with wild beasts.htm

What and Whence are These?
... that a great statesman once stopped his horse on a ... We reply, they often require it
to arouse them; and ... through suffering; and if they had not suffered they had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

St Gregory the Great (Ad 540-604)
... I cannot ride the horse because he is wretched, nor the ... The old nobility had suffered
so much by the wars, and ... 6:6; Matthew 9:13) that bishops often broke up ...
/.../chapter xxxi st gregory the.htm

On Infants' Early Deaths.
... But though old age may compel a horse to remain ... Often, too, the Arranger of this
Feast of Life ... distinguished for their wickedness have been suffered to live on ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on infants early deaths.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... 8. And I saw, and behold, a livid horse, and he ... used here in Revelation 6:9. "Soul"
is often put for ... Few Scriptures have suffered more at the hands of Gentile ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.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

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... the morning after a victory is often a sorrowful ... rich amends for all we have suffered
in resisting ... distributing the Victoria Cross at the Horse Guards during ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings
... God's help I will expect that as ye suffered so must I ... Another reason why we are
often most happy in our ... once asked a friend, concerning a beautiful horse of his ...
/.../consolation proportionate to spiritual sufferings.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... had been guilty of it with his horse, and have ... saw it also, did not repent, but suffered
the same ... way of derision of Christ's threatening so often made, that ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm