Topical Bible: The Horse: The Jews: Not to Trust In

◄ The Horse: The Jews: Not to Trust In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the horse is often depicted as a symbol of military power and human strength. Throughout the Scriptures, the Israelites are repeatedly admonished not to place their trust in horses or chariots, but rather in the Lord their God. This theme underscores a fundamental biblical principle: reliance on divine power over human might.

Biblical References

1. Psalm 20:7 · "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse highlights the contrast between those who rely on military strength and those who place their faith in God. The psalmist emphasizes that true security and victory come from the Lord, not from human instruments of war.

2. Isaiah 31:1 · "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." Here, the prophet Isaiah warns against seeking military alliances and trusting in the might of foreign powers, such as Egypt, instead of seeking the Lord's guidance and protection.

3. Deuteronomy 17:16 · "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.’" In this commandment, God instructs the future kings of Israel not to amass horses, which would symbolize a reliance on military power and a return to the ways of Egypt, from which God had delivered them.

4. Proverbs 21:31 · "A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." This proverb reinforces the idea that while preparation and readiness for battle are important, ultimate victory is determined by the Lord. Human efforts and resources, represented by the horse, are secondary to divine intervention.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were a valuable asset in warfare, often used to pull chariots and carry soldiers into battle. The surrounding nations, such as Egypt and Assyria, were known for their formidable cavalry and chariotry. The temptation for Israel to emulate these nations and rely on horses for military strength was significant, especially during times of threat and conflict.

Theological Implications

The biblical injunction against trusting in horses serves as a broader metaphor for the futility of relying on human strength and resources apart from God. It calls the people of God to a posture of faith and dependence on Him, recognizing that true security and success come from His hand alone. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes God's sovereignty and the call for His people to live in covenantal faithfulness.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the admonition not to trust in horses can be understood as a call to examine where we place our trust and confidence. In a world that often values power, wealth, and human ingenuity, the biblical message challenges us to prioritize our reliance on God and His provision. It invites us to seek His guidance and to trust in His promises, knowing that He is the ultimate source of strength and deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 14:3
Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride on horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, You are our gods: for in you the fatherless finds mercy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast ...
... Then the Jews who were present, amazed that unlearned and ignorant men, whom ... thou
wilt not do it, because he does not know how to govern the horse, he may ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxx on the words.htm

By the Wayside
... "What?". The Maccabee signed to the pack on Julian's horse. ... "Evilly, they say," she
answered, "but I have not been in ... Jews have no friends abroad over the world ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

The Parthians Bring Antigonus Back into Judea, and Cast Hyrcanus ...
... Parthian into the city with five hundred horse, and to ... plot to bear privately, because
it was not possible to ... he found by experience that the Jews fell more ...
/.../chapter 13 the parthians bring.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... That will be the end of this big black horse of infidelity that boasts that it is
going to drink up ... Is he the God of the Jews only ... Is he not also of the Gentiles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... Still Jehu would not part with the calves of Dan and ... he had only one thousand foot,
fifty horse, and ten ... and slew one hundred and twenty thousand Jews in one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... temple, and was pressing on to the treasury, when suddenly a horse, with a ... It was
the most utter misery that had yet befallen the Jews. ... "We see not our tokens ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

Psalm XLIX.
... could do anything, they would not have died." Just as the Jews saw Christ ... like unto
them." Whence it is said elsewhere, "Be ye not like to horse and mule ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlix.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... there is no crime in going to plays or horse-races, to ... and therefore our Savior was
a carpenter; "Is not this the carpenter's son," said the Jews: and St. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

The Travelers
... Clean-shaven, lithe, supple, he did not appear to be more than twenty-two. ... "Quick!"
Julian said, leaning from his horse. ... Naught but Jews," he observed finally. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him ... unconsciously, using it
as a stalking-horse, behind which ... Not only did the disciples restrain Paul as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fight with wild beasts.htm