Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, horses are often associated with military power and human reliance on strength rather than on God. The prohibition against the kings of Israel acquiring many horses is rooted in the divine command given through Moses, which is recorded in the Torah. This command is found in Deuteronomy 17:16, where it is stated: "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.’" .The instruction against amassing horses was part of a broader set of guidelines intended to ensure that the king of Israel would remain humble and reliant on God rather than on military might or foreign alliances. The acquisition of horses, particularly from Egypt, was seen as a temptation to depend on human strength and political strategies, which could lead the nation away from trusting in God's providence and protection. The historical context of this command is significant. Egypt was renowned for its horses and chariots, which were symbols of military prowess. By forbidding the kings of Israel from returning to Egypt to acquire horses, God was reminding them of their deliverance from slavery and the importance of not reverting to old dependencies. Despite this clear command, some of Israel's kings, most notably Solomon, disobeyed this directive. In 1 Kings 10:26-28, it is recorded that Solomon accumulated chariots and horses, importing them from Egypt and other lands: "Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue." . This accumulation of horses was part of Solomon's broader pattern of excess and reliance on wealth and alliances, which ultimately led to spiritual decline. The prophetic literature also echoes the theme of reliance on God rather than horses. In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns, "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 underscores the danger of placing trust in military power rather than in God. In summary, the biblical prohibition against the kings of Israel acquiring many horses serves as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God over human strength and military might. It reflects a broader theological principle that true security and success come from faithfulness to God and His commandments, rather than from worldly power and alliances. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 17:16But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: for as much as the LORD has said to you, You shall from now on return no more that way. Nave's Topical Index Library The Joyous Return The Seventh vision "In Heaven" The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Sixth Commandment Here Beginneth the Story of Judith Christian Meekness The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. The Seventh Commandment The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church 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 |
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