Topical Encyclopedia The horse is a symbol of strength and power throughout the Bible, often associated with warfare, majesty, and the might of armies. In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were highly valued for their speed and strength, making them indispensable in battle and a sign of military prowess.Biblical References and Symbolism The horse's strength is vividly depicted in the book of Job, where God Himself describes the might and fearlessness of the horse in battle. In Job 39:19-25 , God asks, "Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?" This passage highlights the horse's natural vigor and its role as a formidable creature in the service of mankind. In the Psalms, the horse is again associated with strength, but also with a reminder of the limitations of human reliance on physical power. Psalm 33:17 states, "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." Here, the psalmist emphasizes that while the horse is a creature of great might, ultimate deliverance and salvation come from the Lord, not from human or animal strength. Military Use and Symbolic Meaning Horses were integral to the chariots and cavalry units of ancient armies, as seen in various Old Testament narratives. In Exodus 14:23 , the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen," demonstrating the reliance on horses for military campaigns. The strength of the horse in battle is further illustrated in 1 Kings 10:26, where King Solomon amassed chariots and horsemen, signifying his wealth and military strength. The prophetic books also use the imagery of horses to convey messages of judgment and power. In Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet sees four chariots with horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. This vision underscores the horse's role as an agent of divine will and judgment. Spiritual Lessons and Warnings While the horse is a symbol of strength, the Bible also warns against placing undue trust in horses and military might. Isaiah 31:1 cautions, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This admonition serves as a reminder that true strength and security are found in reliance on God rather than in earthly power. In Revelation, horses appear in apocalyptic visions, symbolizing various aspects of God's judgment and the unfolding of end-time events. Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a horse of a different color, representing conquest, war, famine, and death. These powerful images reinforce the horse's association with strength and the execution of divine purposes. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the horse is a powerful symbol of strength and might, used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Its depiction serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Nave's Topical Index Job 39:19-25Have you given the horse strength? have you clothed his neck with thunder? Nave's Topical Index Library How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ... 1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ... Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ... Some Hymns of Great Witnesses. The Seventh vision "In Heaven" Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America On the Mount of Olives To the Rev. A. Brandram Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Resources Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.org What does diadem mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Horse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Horse used by the Egyptians in War Horse: Dedicated to Religious Uses Horse: Description of a Vain Thing for Safety Horse: Description of Great Strength Horse: Description of Snorting and Neighing of Horse: Description of Swifter than Eagles Horse: Forbidden to the Kings of Israel Horse: Israel Reproved for Keeping The Horse in Battle Protected by Armour The Horse used for Bearing Burdens The Horse used for Conveying Posts The Horse used for Drawing Chariots The Horse used for Mounting Calvary The Horse: A Dull Headstrong Disposition The Horse: Adorned With Bells on the Neck The Horse: Beauty of the Church The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Bay The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Black The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Grisled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Pale or Ash Colour The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Red The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Speckled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: White The Horse: Dedicated to the Sun by Idolaters The Horse: Endued With Strength by God The Horse: Fed on Grain and Herbs The Horse: Fierce and Impetuous The Horse: Glorious and Triumphant Deliverance of the Church The Horse: Governed by Bit and Bridle The Horse: Hard Hoofs of, Alluded To The Horse: Impetuosity of the Wicked in Sin The Horse: Kings and Princes Rode On The Horse: Loud Snorting of, Alluded To The Horse: Notice of Early Traffic In The Horse: Numbers of, Kept for War The Horse: Often Suffered in Battle The Horse: Often Suffered in the Hoof from Prancing The Horse: Often Suffered: from Bites of Serpents The Horse: Often Suffered: from Blindness The Horse: Often Suffered: from Murrain The Horse: Often Suffered: from Plague The Horse: Prepared and Trained for War The Horse: Sold in Fairs and Markets The Horse: The Jews: Brought Back Many, from Babylon The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Multiplying The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Trusting To The Horse: The Jews: Forbidden to Multiply The Horse: The Jews: Imported from Egypt The Horse: The Jews: Multiplied in Solomon's Reign The Horse: The Jews: Not to Trust In The Horse: Vanity of Trusting To The Horse: Want of Understanding In, Alluded To The Horse: Warlike in Disposition Related Terms |
    |