Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, horseback riding was a significant mode of transportation and warfare, though the Israelites were initially more familiar with donkeys and mules. Horses are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing strength, speed, and military power.Old Testament References The use of horses in the Old Testament is frequently associated with Egypt and other neighboring nations. Horses were not native to Israel and were often imported, primarily for military purposes. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands the Israelites concerning their future kings: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This directive was intended to prevent reliance on military might rather than on God. The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the reliance on horses for security, emphasizing trust in God over military strength: "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" (Isaiah 31:1). Symbolism and Prophecy Horses are often used symbolically in biblical prophecy. In the book of Zechariah, horses appear in visions representing God's judgment and power. Zechariah 6:2-3 describes different colored horses pulling chariots, symbolizing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. The book of Revelation also uses horses symbolically. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, described in Revelation 6:1-8, ride on horses of different colors, each representing various forms of divine judgment upon the earth. New Testament Context In the New Testament, horses are less frequently mentioned, but they still appear in contexts of power and authority. Revelation 19:11 describes a vision of Christ's return: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse, and its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war." Here, the white horse symbolizes victory and purity, with Christ as the triumphant King. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, horses were primarily associated with chariots and cavalry, integral to the military strategies of powerful empires like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The Israelites, under King Solomon, began to acquire horses and chariots, as noted in 1 Kings 10:26: "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." Despite their practical uses, the biblical narrative often cautions against placing trust in horses and chariots over God. Psalm 20:7 encapsulates this sentiment: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Conclusion Throughout the Bible, horses serve as symbols of power and military might, yet the scriptures consistently remind believers to place their trust in God rather than in human strength or resources. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The back of a horse.2. (n.) An extended ridge of sand, gravel, and boulders, in a half-stratified condition. Strong's Hebrew 7392. rakab -- to mount and ride, ride... 15), rode (9), rode in a chariot (1). bring on horseback, carry, get oneself up, on horseback. A primitive root; to ride (on an animal ... /hebrew/7392.htm - 6k 5483. cuwc -- a swallow, swift (type of bird) 5483b. sus -- a horse Library Companions on Horseback Seven Hours on Horseback The Carrying of the Cross. Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man Off to vienna God's Care Over Me The Life of Mr. John Dickson. How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ... Wesley and his Horses Wesley Opens a New Church Thesaurus Horseback (15 Occurrences)...Horseback (15 Occurrences). ... 2 Kings 14:20 And they took his body on horseback and put it into the earth with his fathers in Jerusalem, the town of David. (BBE). ... /h/horseback.htm - 11k Tilt (2 Occurrences) Delighteth (23 Occurrences) Mounted (32 Occurrences) Rode (22 Occurrences) Streets (83 Occurrences) Ride (31 Occurrences) Honouring (23 Occurrences) Carriages (34 Occurrences) Street (54 Occurrences) Resources Who was John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian be a nudist? What does the Bible say about nudity? | GotQuestions.org Horseback: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Horseback (15 Occurrences)1 Kings 20:20 2 Kings 9:18 2 Kings 9:19 2 Kings 14:20 2 Chronicles 25:28 Esther 6:9 Esther 6:11 Esther 8:10 Ecclesiastes 10:7 Isaiah 22:6 Jeremiah 17:25 Jeremiah 22:4 Ezekiel 23:23 Ezekiel 23:24 Ezekiel 38:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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