Topical Bible: The Horse: Want of Understanding In, Alluded To

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The horse, a creature of strength and swiftness, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing power and war. However, there are instances where the horse is alluded to as lacking understanding, serving as a metaphor for human folly and the need for divine guidance.

In the book of Psalms, the psalmist uses the horse to illustrate the futility of relying on brute strength without wisdom. Psalm 32:9 states, "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you." Here, the horse is depicted as needing external control due to its lack of understanding, paralleling the human condition when one acts without seeking God's wisdom.

The book of Job also touches upon the theme of the horse's lack of understanding. In Job 39:19-25, God speaks of the horse's might and fearlessness in battle, yet there is an implicit suggestion that despite its power, the horse does not comprehend the larger purpose or the outcome of the battle. This passage highlights the distinction between physical prowess and spiritual insight, reminding believers of the importance of seeking God's wisdom over mere earthly strength.

In Proverbs, the emphasis on understanding and wisdom is a recurring theme. While the horse is not directly mentioned in this context, the broader biblical narrative encourages believers to seek understanding from the Lord rather than relying solely on their own capabilities or the strength of their resources, such as horses. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

The biblical allusions to the horse's lack of understanding serve as a cautionary reminder to believers. While the horse is a magnificent creature, its need for guidance and control mirrors the human need for divine direction. The scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom from God, recognizing that true understanding comes not from human strength or intellect, but from a humble reliance on the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 32:9
Be you not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John i. 14
... parties [252] they make to see horse races, at ... such great advantage, to lament our
want of leisure ... by a certain union ineffable, and past [270] understanding. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xi john i 14.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Denies that Man is Responsible for the ...
... the power to obey the dictates of the understanding."(11) Thus ... prevents not that
he ought to be a horse, and not a ... made a branch of dynamics, is the want of a ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter i the scheme of.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... how a revelation could be made to the understanding of any ... would they let such power
lie dormant for want of zeal? ... A bridge fell with a horse on it, which fell ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... He had a sound understanding, a warm heart, and ... Though sometimes he complained of
the want of spiritual ... John was sitting carelessly upon his horse, James's gun ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... the use and property of his horse, which any ... degrees to see themselves, and their
want of a ... children, had attained that peace that passeth all understanding. ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... All it needs is a spiritual understanding, and a childlike ... Dr. Seiss well asks,
"What do we want with Vespasian ... The horse, the man, the lion, and the scorpion ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... death." And so unclouded was his understanding and tranquil ... long, and the more difficult,
for want of roads ... was frequently obliged to swim his horse over the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... of truth, which fell upon your understanding and heart ... and wretchedness consequent
upon their want of industry ... on the 10th of April, on horse back intending to ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Life of Bunyan
... corruption of my nature, or of the want and worth of ... gave a boy twopence to hold
his horse, for he ... is made so honestly to each reader's understanding, that his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... It had become, for very want of exercise, an almost ... 874]"usurers in the south aisle,
horse-dealers in ... A common custom, alluded to by White of Selborne, was ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm