Topical Bible: The Horse: The Jews: Imported from Egypt

◄ The Horse: The Jews: Imported from Egypt ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a noble and powerful creature, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the Israelites and their interactions with surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, horses were primarily associated with warfare and chariots, symbolizing strength and military prowess. The Israelites, during their formative years, were primarily a pastoral and agrarian society, and the horse was not indigenous to the region of Canaan. Consequently, the introduction and use of horses among the Israelites are closely tied to their interactions with Egypt and other neighboring cultures.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The first mention of horses in the context of Israel is found during the reign of King Solomon. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, established extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations, including with Egypt. In 1 Kings 10:28-29 , it is recorded: "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram."

This passage highlights the strategic importance of horses in Solomon's kingdom, as well as the economic and military alliances that were facilitated through their trade. The importation of horses from Egypt signifies a shift in Israel's military capabilities, aligning them more closely with the practices of other powerful nations of the time.

Divine Instructions and Warnings

Despite the practical advantages of horses in warfare, the acquisition of horses from Egypt was not without divine caution. In Deuteronomy 17:16 , God provides specific instructions regarding the future kings of Israel: "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more of them, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’"

This command underscores a theological principle that Israel's reliance should be on God rather than military might or foreign alliances. The prohibition against returning to Egypt for horses serves as a reminder of Israel's deliverance from slavery and the dangers of reverting to dependence on former oppressors.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Throughout the Scriptures, horses are often used symbolically to convey messages of power, judgment, and divine intervention. In the prophetic literature, horses frequently appear in visions and apocalyptic imagery. For instance, in Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet describes four chariots pulled by horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

Similarly, in Revelation 6:1-8, the Apostle John describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a horse of a different color, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These vivid images reinforce the association of horses with significant divine actions and the unfolding of God's plan in history.

Cultural and Religious Implications

The importation of horses from Egypt and their integration into Israelite society had profound cultural and religious implications. While horses enhanced Israel's military strength, they also posed a spiritual challenge by tempting the nation to rely on human power rather than divine providence. The biblical narrative consistently calls the people of God to trust in Him above all else, warning against the allure of worldly power and the dangers of assimilation into pagan practices.

In summary, the horse, as imported from Egypt, serves as a multifaceted symbol within the biblical text, representing both the potential for human achievement and the ever-present need for reliance on God's sovereignty and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:28,29
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... be purchased: the production of Palestine, or imported from foreign ... a cow, [547]
and, for little more, a horse. ... But to the Jews this essentially heathen place ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... my longing desire made me, like the horse in Homer ... of their own products for what
is imported: but an ... small nation only like that of the Jews, concerning meats ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... A woman taken in adultery was brought before our Lord by the Jews, so that they
might see what judgment he would pronounce according to the law. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of such caravans was considerable, for although Egypt had ceased to ... in the path,
that biteth the horse's heels, so ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm