Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "mare" refers to a female horse. While the Bible does not specifically mention mares in isolation, horses in general are frequently referenced throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing strength, power, and sometimes war. The Hebrew word for horse is "סוּס" (sus), and while the gender is not always specified, the presence of mares can be inferred in certain passages where horses are mentioned in plural or collective terms.Symbolism and Usage in Scripture Horses, including mares, are often associated with military might and the power of kingdoms. In the ancient Near East, horses were valuable assets in warfare, used for chariots and cavalry. This is reflected in several biblical passages where horses are depicted as instruments of war and symbols of a nation's strength. For example, in the book of Exodus, horses are part of Pharaoh's army that pursues the Israelites: "Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, and the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them" (Exodus 15:19). While the text does not specify mares, the collective term for horses would include them. In the prophetic literature, horses are often used metaphorically to describe the power and swiftness of God's judgment or the coming of a conquering force. In Zechariah 6:2-3, different colored horses are part of a vision symbolizing God's sovereign control over the earth: "The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them powerful" . Mares in the Song of Solomon One of the more direct references to a mare is found in the Song of Solomon, where the beauty and grace of a beloved woman are compared to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots: "I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots" (Song of Solomon 1:9). This comparison highlights the elegance and allure of the woman, as well as the esteemed value of a mare in a royal setting. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, horses were not native and were primarily imported from regions like Egypt and Anatolia. They were considered luxury items and were often associated with royalty and the elite. The presence of mares, as part of a breeding program, would have been essential for maintaining a strong and effective cavalry. The biblical injunctions against multiplying horses, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16, reflect a caution against reliance on military power rather than on God: "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 said, 'You are never to go back that way again'" . This command underscores the importance of trusting in divine providence over human strength. Conclusion While mares are not explicitly singled out in many biblical texts, their role as part of the broader category of horses is significant. They contribute to the imagery of power, beauty, and the complexities of human reliance on military might versus faith in God. The biblical narrative uses horses, including mares, to convey themes of strength, judgment, and divine sovereignty. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The female of the horse and other equine quadrupeds.2. (n.) Sighing, suffocative panting, intercepted utterance, with a sense of pressure across the chest, occurring during sleep; the incubus; -- obsolete, except in the compound nightmare. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAREmar Strong's Hebrew 5484. susah -- a mare... a mare. Transliteration: susah Phonetic Spelling: (soo-saw') Short Definition: mare. Word Origin from the same as sus Definition a mare NASB Word Usage mare (1) ... /hebrew/5484.htm - 6k 4756. mare -- lord 7424. rammak -- perhaps a mare 7763. Shomer -- two Israelites 4548. masmer -- a nail 5246. namer -- a leopard 564. Immer -- the name of several Israelites, perhaps also a place ... 4806. meri -- a fatling, fatlings Library The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Wesley's Horses Give Trouble The Contents. The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Of God and his Attributes. Hymnus Ante Cibum Hymnus Ad Incensum Lucernae Hymnus Ieiunantium A Presumption that all Things were Created by God Out of Nothing ... After all the Modern Clatter of Calvinism, Therefore, it is Only ... Thesaurus Mare (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MARE. mar (1) cucah, "steed," the King James Version "company of horses"; Septuagint he hippos, "mare... /m/mare.htm - 7k Mare'shah (8 Occurrences) Adria (1 Occurrence) Horse (62 Occurrences) Mareshah (8 Occurrences) Margin (4 Occurrences) Foal (10 Occurrences) Mule (9 Occurrences) Marduk (1 Occurrence) Mere (56 Occurrences) Resources Mare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mare (1 Occurrence)Song of Songs 1:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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