Topical Bible: The Horse: Warlike in Disposition

◄ The Horse: Warlike in Disposition ►

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The horse, a majestic and powerful creature, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, speed, and warlike prowess. Its presence in biblical narratives underscores its importance in ancient warfare and its symbolic representation of military might and divine judgment.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The horse is first introduced in the context of Egypt, a nation renowned for its chariots and cavalry. In Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursue the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots," highlighting the horse's role in military pursuits. This association with war is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 17:16, where God commands the Israelites not to acquire many horses, lest they return to Egypt and rely on military strength rather than divine providence.

In the poetic and prophetic literature, the horse is often depicted as a symbol of impending judgment and divine intervention. In Job 39:19-25, the warhorse is described with vivid imagery: "Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? ... He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword." This passage highlights the horse's fearlessness and readiness for battle, attributes that make it a fitting symbol of God's power and judgment.

The prophetic books frequently use the imagery of horses to convey messages of conquest and divine retribution. In Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet sees four chariots with horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out to execute God's will on earth. Similarly, in Revelation 6:1-8, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride forth, each on a different colored horse, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were primarily associated with chariots and cavalry, integral components of military forces. The acquisition and breeding of horses were often seen as a means to enhance a nation's military capabilities. Solomon's extensive collection of horses and chariots, as described in 1 Kings 10:26, reflects the importance of equine resources in establishing and maintaining power.

The horse's warlike disposition is not only a reflection of its physical attributes but also its training and use in battle. Ancient armies valued horses for their speed, strength, and ability to instill fear in opponents. This martial association is evident in the biblical narrative, where horses are often linked to scenes of conflict and divine judgment.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of horses as warlike creatures serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human strength and military power. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse underscores the biblical theme that true security and victory come not from earthly might but from faith in God.

Moreover, the horse's role in apocalyptic visions emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the forces of history. The imagery of horses in prophetic literature serves to remind believers of the ultimate triumph of divine justice and the establishment of God's kingdom.

In summary, the horse in the Bible is a powerful symbol of war and divine judgment, reflecting both the historical realities of ancient warfare and the theological truths of God's sovereignty and power. Its depiction in Scripture calls believers to place their trust not in human strength but in the Lord, who governs the affairs of nations and brings about His purposes in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 39:21
He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength: he goes on to meet the armed men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 8:6
I listened and heard, but they spoke not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rushes into the battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conquest of Lydia.
... They were a warlike, stern, and indomitable race of men ... from the field, and showed
no disposition to return ... than the onset of a squadron of horse when charging ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

San Josef
... was just the man whom a savage, warlike, and depredatory ... what abhorrence he looks
on having his disposition to nocturnal ... got into the stable where his horse was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... Idumeans got together on the sudden the most warlike part of ... he first of all got
upon his horse, and fled ... he was in, he was of a barbarous disposition, and bore ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... never left their fatherland, except on some warlike expedition into ... himself to the
back of a horse, and it ... parade-ground at Thebes; if the disposition of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... and drives to salvation the human horse"that is ... apply dyes or weaving, except for
warlike decorations." [1670 ... buying and selling, but by a servile disposition. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... violent temperament, their coarse sensuality, their cruel and warlike propensities,
their ... He was endowed with the capricious and changing disposition of the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... is reported to have overrun a horse, when they ... abilities and wisdom, but by his warlike
conduct and ... king's gentleness and mildness of disposition, every one ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

From the Commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to Its ...
... combatants of that day in their warlike measures, is a ... he had received, and the fall
from his horse. ... Knowing something of the disposition which prevailed there ...
/.../chapter 2 from the commencement.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... things, no less than of the horse-race and ... life is characterised by steadfastness
of disposition rather than ... this point they are excessively warlike and sturdy ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... whom the tradition followed by Herodotus knows as master of the horse under Darius ...
and if he had courted the friendship not only of the warlike Cyaxares but of ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm