In the biblical context, horses are frequently mentioned as symbols of strength, power, and military might. They are often associated with warfare, chariots, and the armies of ancient civilizations. The use of horses in the Bible reflects their importance in the ancient Near Eastern cultures, where they were primarily used for battle and transportation.

Old Testament References

Horses are first mentioned in the context of Egypt, a nation renowned for its chariots and cavalry. In Genesis 47:17, during the time of Joseph, the Egyptians traded horses for food during the famine: "So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, the flocks and herds, and the donkeys. And he fed them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year."

The Israelites were initially forbidden to multiply horses, as stated in Deuteronomy 17:16: "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 told you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This command was intended to prevent reliance on military strength rather than on God.

Despite this, King Solomon amassed a significant number of horses and chariots, importing them from Egypt and other regions (1 Kings 10:26-29). This accumulation was seen as a deviation from the divine command and a reliance on human power.

Horses are also depicted in prophetic literature. In the book of Zechariah, horses are used symbolically to represent God's judgment and power. Zechariah 6:1-8 describes four chariots with horses of different colors, symbolizing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, horses are prominently featured in the apocalyptic imagery of the book of Revelation. Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a horse of a different color, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses and their riders represent the unfolding of divine judgment upon the earth.

Symbolism and Themes

Throughout the Bible, horses symbolize not only military power but also the futility of relying on human strength instead of divine providence. Psalm 20:7 states, "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 from God, not from human military might.

In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, horses often serve as instruments of God's will, executing judgment or delivering messages. Their speed and strength make them fitting symbols for the swift and powerful execution of divine plans.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, horses were highly valued and often associated with royalty and the elite. They were used in warfare, ceremonies, and as a status symbol. The biblical narrative reflects this cultural significance, as horses are frequently linked to kings and their armies.

The biblical portrayal of horses serves as a reminder of the tension between human reliance on military power and the call to trust in God's sovereignty. Through the imagery of horses, the Bible communicates themes of judgment, power, and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations and individuals.5483b. sus -- a horse
... 5483a, 5483b. sus. 5484 . a horse. Transliteration: sus Short Definition:
horses. Word Origin probably of foreign origin Definition ...
/hebrew/5483b.htm - 5k

Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ...
... Diamond the horse wanted new shoes, and Diamond's father took him out of the stable,
and was just getting on his back to ride him to the forge, when he saw his ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 5 diamond said nothing.htm

How, by the Contrivance of the Devil, Brother Juniper was ...
... mastered by his fury, would examine no further, but without delay condemned Brother
Juniper, as a traitor and murderer, to be fastened to a horse's tail, and ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter iii how by the.htm

Diamond Woke Very Early in the Morning, and Thought what a Curious ...
... that even old Diamond was not awake yet, for he, as well as young Diamond, always
got up the moment he woke, and now he was lying as flat as a horse could lie ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 3 diamond woke very.htm

Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ...
... "You must make haste and, grow" he said. "It won't do to have a horse's
belly clean and his back dirty, you know.". "Give me a leg ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 17 diamond became a.htm

The Signs of Pentecost.
... sides. When, a horse runs through the street we hear the noise of his hoofs
against the pavement and see the clouds of dust. But ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the signs of pentecost.htm

A Christmas Question
... Let but the horse's foot slip once, and they dash downwards to destruction. ... The man
is a blind rider on a blind horse. They cannot see where they are. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a christmas question.htm

The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep...
... When his father had finished his breakfast, which he did rather in a hurry, he got
up and went down into the yard to get out his horse and put him to the cab. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 16 the wind blew.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... showed the immemorial composure in the face of disaster that was the badge of the
Roman in the days of the degenerate Caesars, and, mounting his horse when the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

On Genesis.
... And let Dan become a serpent by the way, lying on the path, stinging the horse's
heel; and the horseman shall fall backward, waiting for the salvation of the ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... deal of patience to do good things in public for the world believes itself to be
the Master of Knowledge, always putting the bit under the horse's tail, and ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

Horse's (3 Occurrences)
...Horse's (3 Occurrences). ... Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder
in the path, That bites the horse's heels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/h/horse's.htm - 7k

Saddle (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A seat for a rider, -- usually made of leather, padded to span comfortably
a horse's back, furnished with stirrups for the rider's feet to rest in, and ...
/s/saddle.htm - 10k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... 9) shephiphon, occurs only in Genesis 49:17: "Da shall be a serpent (nachash) in
the way, An adder (shephiphon) in the path, That biteth the horse's heels, So ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... to the vamp. 7. (n.) That part on either side of a horse's hoof between
the toe and heel, being the side of the coffin. 8. (n.) A ...
/q/quarter.htm - 21k

Viper (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, That bites
the horse's heels, so that his rider falls backward. (See RSV NIV). ...
/v/viper.htm - 10k

Lash (2 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten; as, to
lash something to a spar; to lash a pack on a horse's back. ...
/l/lash.htm - 8k

Grease (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) An inflammation of a horse's heels, suspending the ordinary greasy secretion
of the part, and producing dryness and scruffiness, followed by cracks ...
/g/grease.htm - 7k

Weaving (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An incessant motion of a horse's head, neck, and body, from side to side,
fancied to resemble the motion of a hand weaver in throwing the shuttle. Int. ...
/w/weaving.htm - 17k

Falleth (119 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent in the way, An adder in the path, That biteth
the horse's heels, So that his rider falleth backward. (ASV DBY JPS YLT). ...
/f/falleth.htm - 37k

Tumbles (1 Occurrence)
... Tumbles (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder
in the path, That bites the horse's heels, so that his rider falls backward. ...
/t/tumbles.htm - 6k

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