Topical Bible: The Horse: Often Suffered in Battle

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In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, speed, and military might. Horses were primarily used in warfare, pulling chariots and carrying soldiers into battle. The Bible frequently references horses in the context of war, highlighting their role and the suffering they endured.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The horse is often depicted as a powerful creature, yet one that is subject to the will of its rider. In Job 39:19-25, the Lord describes the horse's strength 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 emphasizes the horse's natural vigor and its readiness for the chaos of war.

In the book of Proverbs, the horse is associated with human preparation and divine sovereignty: "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:31). This verse underscores the belief that while horses are essential for warfare, ultimate success depends on God's will.

Horses in Israelite Warfare

The Israelites, initially a pastoral and agrarian society, did not rely heavily on horses in their early history. However, as they encountered neighboring nations with formidable chariot forces, the strategic importance of horses became apparent. Despite this, God instructed the kings of Israel not to amass large numbers of horses, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, 'You are never to go back that way again'" . This command was intended to prevent reliance on military power over faith in God.

The Suffering of Horses in Battle

The suffering of horses in battle is implicit in the biblical narrative. In the chaos of war, horses were often casualties, as depicted in the prophetic imagery of Jeremiah 12:5: "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" . This metaphor highlights the grueling nature of battle, where even the strongest creatures are tested to their limits.

In Revelation, horses are central to the apocalyptic vision, symbolizing the destructive forces unleashed upon the earth. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, described in Revelation 6:1-8, ride horses of different colors, each representing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses and their riders bring suffering and devastation, illustrating the profound impact of war on both humans and animals.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, horses are depicted as noble and powerful creatures, integral to the machinery of war. Their suffering in battle serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of human conflict and the ultimate reliance on divine providence for victory and peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 51:21
And with you will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with you will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Haggai 2:22
And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... He said, further, that the Moravians suffered from hideous ... had to sell them his watch,
bureau, horse and saddle ... of "mug mily Bozicko""a phrase often used in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

The Overthrow of the Tyrants and the Words which they Uttered ...
... the greatness of his strength; a horse is a ... in battle for virtue and friends, often
boldly encounter ... at home and concealing himself, he suffered the punishment ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x the overthrow of the.htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... when Maria Slawson, that was, mounted her horse with her ... the wives of our early
preachers often suffered for want ... to such emergencies, this very often made an ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
... Any man may take a horse to the water ... true religion with false religion, to battle
with godliness in ... have endured many trials, they have often suffered pain of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/jesus angry with hard hearts.htm

The Life of Mr. James Durham.
... who were sent to call him down, often returned without ... he was one, and that if he
were suffered to remain ... The first was, In the engagement his horse was shot ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 2.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 ... that as they were men like ourselves, who suffered as we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

The Life of Captain John Paton.
... sun-setting, Dalziel (being repulsed so often) advanced the ... the sheriff when he received
the horse, and the ... from that to May 9th, when he suffered according to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of captain john.htm

The Providence of God.
... at which a soldier alighted from his horse to drink ... the judge of the whole earth
has suffered this thing ... accidents and occurrences, which very often pervert the ...
/.../sect iii the providence of.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

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... frail frame and delicate health must have suffered in the ... limbs on the sharp points
of the wooden horse. ... the body, just as the soldier is often unconscious of ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm