Topical Bible: The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Multiplying

◄ The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Multiplying ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the horse is often associated with strength, power, and military might. However, within the context of ancient Israel, the multiplication of horses was explicitly condemned by God, particularly in relation to the kings of Israel. This prohibition is rooted in the desire to maintain Israel's reliance on God rather than on military strength or alliances with foreign powers.

Biblical Prohibition

The primary scriptural basis for the condemnation of multiplying horses is found in Deuteronomy 17:16, where God provides specific instructions for the future kings of Israel: "But the king 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 underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and protection rather than in military capabilities or foreign alliances, particularly with Egypt, a nation synonymous with Israel's past bondage.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were a symbol of military power and were primarily used for chariots, which were the tanks of the ancient world. The acquisition of horses was often linked to the establishment of a strong military force. For Israel, a nation called to be distinct and reliant on God, the accumulation of horses represented a shift in trust from divine to human strength.

Solomon's Transgression

King Solomon, despite his wisdom, is a notable example of a ruler who transgressed this command. 1 Kings 10:26-29 details Solomon's accumulation of chariots and horses: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." . This accumulation was in direct violation of the Deuteronomic law and is often seen as a contributing factor to the spiritual decline during his reign.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of Israel frequently warned against reliance on military strength, including horses, as a substitute for faith in God. Isaiah 31:1-3 admonishes those who trust in horses and chariots: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." . This passage highlights the futility of trusting in human power over divine sovereignty.

Spiritual Implications

The condemnation of multiplying horses serves as a broader spiritual lesson for the people of God. It emphasizes the importance of reliance on God rather than on human strength or worldly resources. The horse, while a creature of strength and beauty, becomes a symbol of misplaced trust when multiplied against God's command. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the necessity of faith and dependence on God above all else.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:7
Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Eurycles Falsely Accused Herod's Sons; and How their Father ...
... 2. But as for the king of the Jews, he was not ... it might be said he fell from his
horse, and was ... The conclusion was this, that Sylleus was condemned to die, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how eurycles falsely.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... time), that he was forced to leave the horse (losing thereby ... I am here standing ready
to be condemned." Then he ... it have been thought lawful for the Jews in the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... supreme Lord, the blasphemous Papists are condemned who speak ... The Jews say, that
in every misery that befalls ... you not love your child better than your horse? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... and brethren of our Lord are buffeted and condemned by the ... A horse that is loaden
with gold and pearls all day ... when Esther begged the life of the Jews, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... not a member of the council which condemned him, it ... being ignorant of God's
righteousness, like the Jews of whom ... lest I should be thrown from my horse; lest ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... them or on their predecessors had condemned them, allowed ... a welcome change in the
fortunes of the Jews. ... there were towns,* and by thus multiplying the centres ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Doctrine
... it; for by that "is the knowledge of sin," and by it we are condemned for the ... they
are, they work for they do not know what, even like a poor horse that works ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm