Topical Bible: The Horse used for Bearing Burdens

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the horse was a significant animal, often associated with strength, speed, and warfare. However, its role extended beyond the battlefield, serving as a beast of burden in various contexts. The use of horses for bearing burdens is less frequently mentioned than their use in war, but it is nonetheless an important aspect of their utility in ancient societies.

Historical Context

Horses were domesticated in the Near East and became integral to the economies and military strategies of ancient civilizations. While donkeys and camels were more commonly used for carrying heavy loads due to their endurance and ability to traverse difficult terrains, horses were occasionally employed for similar purposes, especially in regions where speed was a priority.

Biblical References

The Bible does not explicitly detail the use of horses for bearing burdens as frequently as it does for other animals like donkeys and camels. However, the broader context of their use in transportation and labor can be inferred from various passages.

In the Old Testament, horses are primarily associated with chariots and cavalry. For instance, in 1 Kings 10:26, Solomon is noted for his extensive collection 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." While this passage highlights their military use, it also implies their role in the infrastructure of the kingdom, which would have included transportation and logistics.

Symbolism and Significance

Horses in the Bible often symbolize power and prestige. Their use in bearing burdens, though not as prominently featured, aligns with this symbolism by representing the ability to carry heavy loads and facilitate the movement of goods and people. This capability would have been crucial in trade and communication, contributing to the prosperity and stability of a nation.

Cultural and Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the horse's strength and utility can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and the order of creation. In Psalm 147:10, it is written, "He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man." This verse underscores the idea that while horses are valuable for their strength and service, ultimate reliance should be on God rather than on human or animal might.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the use of horses for bearing burdens would have required knowledge of animal husbandry and care. The Israelites, like other ancient peoples, would have needed to understand how to feed, shelter, and maintain the health of their horses to ensure their effectiveness in both labor and warfare.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not extensively document the use of horses specifically for bearing burdens, their role in ancient society as versatile and powerful animals is evident. They contributed to the economic and military strength of nations, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of God's creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 2:66
Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 7:68
Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Section Where it is Recorded, that Being Moved with ...
... raising of the daughter of Jairus to life, subjoins this paragraph, bearing on the ...
meaning when it occurs of the rod applied to a horse, or used for some ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxx of the section where.htm

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... back." Then the king threw himself from his horse, tore off ... But even bearing it thus
is very good; for it ... use of any virtue; it ought to be used fruitfully and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxi on the exaltation.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... remain the night; and while our horse rested, our ... like machines, and human frames
are used as though ... way of showing our Christianity, this bearing the burdens ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

Daily Blessings for God's People
... Don't encroach; don't ride a willing horse too fast ... The load of mercy which was used
yesterday won't do for ... then, have done with burden-bearing, and take up the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/daily blessings for gods people.htm

Home and the Home-Maker.
... along the roadside; the same family horse nibbled the ... instructive, and entertaining,
may be used to make ... on before and the other stays, bearing the unshared ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/x home and the home-maker.htm

Acts xvi. 13, 14
... Which is the useful horse, the pampered or the exercised? ... the best iron, that which
is much used, or that ... like the lame, is unable to rise, bearing about its ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Thou mindest me of a war-horse, stabled, with his ... litters with dark-eyed occupants
and fan-bearing attendants stood ... flood-tide wharf, but it was used now only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... eight special ordinances, by first dividing the bearing of a ... measure is as much wine
as is used for one cup ... Thus, two horse's hairs might be made into a birdtrap ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Burdens, duty of bearing another's, [671]452. ... 339, n.; miraculous virtue of,
[1151]396; a rich, how used, [1152]405 ... Horse, inferior to man in the foot, [1315] ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

What and Whence are These?
... These bearing the palms"whence came they? ... heard that a great statesman once stopped
his horse on a ... The word used in our translation is "tribulation," and you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm