Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: of Horses

◄ Egypt: The Country of: of Horses ►

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Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a land of wealth, power, and military might. One of the notable aspects of Egypt, as highlighted in the Bible, is its association with horses, which were a symbol of strength and military prowess in the ancient world.

Biblical References to Egypt and Horses

The Bible often references Egypt's horses in the context of military strength and reliance on human power rather than divine trust. In Deuteronomy 17:16, the Israelites are warned against returning to Egypt to acquire horses: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" This command underscores the temptation to rely on Egypt's military resources rather than on God.

In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet Isaiah admonishes those who depend on Egypt for military aid: "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." This passage highlights the futility of relying on Egypt's horses and chariots instead of seeking God's protection and guidance.

Historical Context

Historically, Egypt was renowned for its chariotry and cavalry, which were integral to its military campaigns and defense strategies. The fertile Nile Delta provided an ideal environment for breeding horses, making Egypt a significant center for equine trade and military logistics. The Egyptian army's reliance on horses and chariots is well-documented in ancient records and aligns with the biblical portrayal of Egypt as a formidable military power.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

In the biblical narrative, Egypt's horses symbolize human strength and the temptation to trust in worldly power rather than divine providence. The Israelites' history with Egypt serves as a cautionary tale against seeking security in earthly alliances and resources. The prophets consistently remind God's people to place their trust in Him rather than in the might of nations like Egypt.

Conclusion

While Egypt's horses were a source of military strength and economic wealth, the biblical narrative consistently points to the limitations of relying on such power. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek God's guidance and protection, emphasizing faith in the Lord over dependence on human resources. Through the lens of Egypt's horses, the Bible teaches enduring lessons about trust, reliance, and the sovereignty of God.

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1 Kings 10:28,29
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
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Library

Daia, on Receiving this News, Hasted with Relays of Horses from ...
... receiving this news, hasted with relays of horses from the ... Europe, to arrogate to
himself all the country as far ... dominions what he had been in Syria and Egypt. ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxxvi daia on receiving.htm

Egypt
... waters to return upon them, and chariots, horses, and men ... The Egyptian loved the
country, with its fresh air ... The wealth and very existence of Egypt depended on ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... who had come to Antioch from the country"also on ... and went over to the king of Egypt,
disdaining the ... of the eagle are his armour, so are horses and soldiers ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... sell him a chariot, with a pair of horses, for six ... away, and came to Pharaoh the
king of Egypt, who received ... him a house to dwell in, and a country to supply ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto ... wisdom of
all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.31 For ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

The Provinces.
... "Amasis, king of Egypt, to Polycrates. ... For example, one satrapy, which comprised
a country famous for its horses, was obliged to furnish one white horse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... Sabra was crowned Queen of the country, and for ... to join the Christian forces now
marching towards Egypt. ... temples were unroofed, and men and horses carried high ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

Before Egypt's Throne
... Lady Masanath," he exclaimed; "where in all Egypt hast thou hidden ... her; Unas, her
Memphian train, and the riderless horses were left ... Libya, the death-country! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

The Call of Abraham
... where, as ever I have gone to the fat land of Egypt or the spice-bearing country
of the ... We sometimes put blinkers upon horses that they may not see too much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The horses of the ... own choice he was "the jackal who prowls about the country to protect ...
the wizard lion marauding abroad by hidden paths,"* and Egypt enjoyed a ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm