Topical Bible: The Horse: Sure Footed

◄ The Horse: Sure Footed ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a majestic and powerful creature, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, speed, and war. Its sure-footedness is an essential characteristic, especially in the context of ancient warfare and travel across rugged terrains. The horse's ability to navigate difficult paths with stability and confidence is a testament to its design and purpose as created by God.

Biblical References:

1. Strength and War:
The horse is often associated with military might and the readiness for battle. 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 highlights the horse's power and its role as a formidable asset in warfare.

2. Sure-Footedness:
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "sure-footed" in relation to horses, the concept is implied through various descriptions of their capabilities. In Psalm 147:10, it is written, "He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man" . This verse suggests that while human strength and the horse's power are impressive, they are not the ultimate source of security or trust. The horse's sure-footedness is a natural gift, but reliance should be placed on God.

3. Symbol of Trust and Reliability:
Horses are depicted as reliable and trustworthy animals, capable of carrying out their duties with precision. Proverbs 21:31 states, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD" . This proverb underscores the importance of preparation and the horse's readiness, yet it also reminds believers that ultimate success and safety come from the Lord.

4. Metaphorical Use:
The horse's sure-footedness can also be seen metaphorically in the spiritual journey of believers. Just as a horse navigates difficult terrain with confidence, Christians are called to walk steadfastly in their faith, trusting in God's guidance. Habakkuk 3:19 declares, "The Lord GOD is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk on the heights" . This imagery of sure-footedness is akin to the horse's ability to traverse challenging paths.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, horses were highly valued for their role in transportation, agriculture, and especially warfare. Their ability to move swiftly and maintain balance on uneven ground made them indispensable in battle. The Israelites, like many ancient cultures, recognized the horse's capabilities but were also cautioned against placing their trust solely in military power. Deuteronomy 17:16 warns the king of Israel not to accumulate many horses, emphasizing reliance on God rather than military strength.

Theological Implications:

The horse's sure-footedness serves as a reminder of God's provision and the natural order He established. While humans may admire and utilize the horse's abilities, Scripture consistently points to the sovereignty of God over all creation. The horse's strength and stability are gifts from the Creator, meant to be appreciated but not idolized. Believers are encouraged to recognize the balance between utilizing God's gifts and maintaining faith in His ultimate control and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 63:13
That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... that I had not mounted one of the sure-footed mules of ... he rubbed his hands and said,
'I am sure that things ... a precipice on the left side; the horse on which I ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 3.htm

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... The posting is under government regulation, and is performed by sure-footed ponies
kept by ... little boy, and sometimes, to save the expense of a horse, for which ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Monotony and Crises
... of the divine guidance of Israel as being like that of a horse in the ... on mountain
journeys, because they are highly nervous and are not sure-footed enough. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/monotony and crises.htm

A Determined Preacher
... but all about me began to cry out, "Sure, you will ... it was as much as I could do to
sit my horse. ... all their might, some bare-headed, some bare-footed and bare ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/a determined preacher.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... other cried, 'Cavalier, proceed, but be careful, and your horses, if sure-footed,
will run ... with stones and huge slaty rocks, on which my horse slid, frequently ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

Off to vienna
... You may be sure Stanislaus enjoyed the long ride ... The wealthy and noble rode, the
poor footed it ... He was glad to feel the good horse under him, to grip the Tartar ...
/.../chapter iv off to vienna.htm

Kumaon.
... The first thing we saw on our first approach to Almora was a horse which had ... Happily,
hill ponies are, as a rule, quiet and sure-footed; and they require to be ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

Journey to Evora
... bony and hale, accompanied by a bare-footed lad, brought ... The gentleman then spurred
on his horse and accosted ... though it cannot be described, is sure to betray ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/journey to evora.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... The bold, sure line of a Roman road divided it ... fugitive mounted upon a camel, fleeter
than the fastest horse. ... Momus did not overtake the fleet-footed party that ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

Mission Tours.
... gospel to the many whom they are sure to meet ... Three days after leaving Futtygurh
our best horse died, from ... If a bedstead"a low four-footed article with rope ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiv mission tours.htm