Topical Bible: Horse: Commerce In

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, horses were not only symbols of power and military might but also played a significant role in commerce and trade. The use of horses in commerce is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in the economic activities of ancient civilizations.

Trade and Acquisition

The acquisition of horses was a significant aspect of trade, especially for the Israelites. Horses were often imported from Egypt and other regions, as they were not native to the land of Israel. In 1 Kings 10:28-29, we read about King Solomon's extensive trade in horses: "Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram."

This passage illustrates the international nature of horse trade during Solomon's reign, with horses being a valuable commodity exchanged between nations. The mention of specific prices also indicates the economic value placed on horses.

Military and Economic Power

Horses were integral to the military strength of a nation, and their possession often signified economic prosperity. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands the future kings of Israel not to multiply horses for themselves, particularly through trade with Egypt: "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 underscores the potential for horses to become a source of reliance and pride, detracting from trust in God. It also reflects the broader economic implications of horse trade, as reliance on foreign powers for military resources could lead to political and spiritual compromise.

Symbol of Wealth and Status

Horses were also a symbol of wealth and status. In the Song of Solomon 1:9, the beloved is compared to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots, indicating beauty and value: "I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots." This comparison highlights the esteemed position horses held in society, often associated with royalty and nobility.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets often used the imagery of horses to convey messages of judgment and the futility of relying on military might. In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns against trusting in horses and chariots for security: "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 warning serves as a reminder of the limitations of human resources and the importance of seeking divine guidance and protection over material wealth and military power.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, horses are depicted as valuable assets in commerce, symbols of wealth and power, and instruments of military strength. However, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need to prioritize faith in God over reliance on material possessions and foreign alliances.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Gwennap's Famous Amphitheater
... In returning to my lodging, it being dark, my horse was just stepping into a ... met
me, who, for fear of offending the bishop, broke off all commerce with the ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/gwennaps famous amphitheater.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... In a word, almost the entire commerce of nearly one half of Spain passes ... was now
filled with stones and huge slaty rocks, on which my horse slid, frequently on ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

The Mustard-Seed.
... obtained here of those forest patriarchs in tropical America which constitute the
mahogany of commerce. ... on the rich plain of Akkar as tall as the horse and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iii the mustard-seed.htm

The Coming of the King to his Palace
... Let us not forget the other picture, 'Behold, a white horse, and He that sat ... very
well defined line which separates trade from trickery and commerce from theft ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coming of the king.htm

The Way to the Sea
... He went to his horse and found him terrified and unmanageable. ... Strip a city of her
plan and shape, her houses, her pleasures and commerce; leave only her people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... They used to call those who engaged in commerce "merchant venturers", and they were
rightly named. ... Would he keep a horse without putting it to work? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

Of Boasting.
... Theophrastus used to say, It was safer trusting to an unbridled horse, than to ... useless
to the world; it excludes him almost from all commerce, makes him ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ix of boasting.htm

Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes?
... is ours by the ancient staple of the Soul; vice is due to the commerce of a ... The
effluence does not make the horse but adds something to it; for horse comes by ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/third tractate are the stars.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... there was ignoring of the benefits of the peaceful reign, which had brought security
and commerce. ... A sieve of oats, not a whip, attracts a horse to the halter. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Thou mindest me of a war-horse, stabled, with his battle-love unsatisfied ... Science,
art, literature, government, commerce, whatever the member, it was built upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm