In the biblical context, steeds, or horses, are often associated with strength, power, and warfare. They are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing both the might of earthly kingdoms and the divine authority of God.

Old Testament References

The use of steeds in the Old Testament is primarily linked to military power and royal grandeur. In ancient Israel, horses were not commonly used for agriculture or transportation but were primarily associated with chariots and warfare. This is evident in the narrative of Solomon, who amassed a significant number of horses and chariots as part of his military strength. 1 Kings 10:26 states, "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem."

The prophet Isaiah also references horses in the context of military might, warning against relying on them instead of trusting in God. 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 the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Steeds are also used symbolically in prophetic literature. In the book of Zechariah, horses appear in visions that convey messages from God. Zechariah 6:1-5 describes 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 imagery underscores the role of horses as agents of divine will and judgment.

In the book of Job, horses are depicted as creatures of great strength and fearlessness, created by God. Job 39:19-25 highlights the majesty and power of the horse, emphasizing its role in battle: "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?"

New Testament References

In the New Testament, horses are notably present in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a horse of a different color, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses serve as instruments of God's judgment upon the earth, illustrating the ultimate sovereignty of God over human history.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were highly valued for their speed and strength, often associated with the elite and the military. The biblical portrayal of horses reflects this cultural significance, as they are frequently linked to kings and warriors. However, the Scriptures also caution against placing trust in horses and military power, urging reliance on God instead.

Theological Implications

The biblical references to steeds serve as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the ultimate authority of God. While horses symbolize strength and might, the Bible consistently points to the futility of relying solely on earthly resources. Instead, believers are encouraged to place their trust in the Lord, who is the true source of strength and deliverance.7409. rekesh -- steeds
... 7408, 7409. rekesh. 7410 . steeds. Transliteration: rekesh Phonetic
Spelling: (reh'-kesh) Short Definition: steeds. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7409.htm - 6k

47. abbir -- mighty, valiant
... mighty (1), mighty ones (1), stallions (3), stouthearted* (1), strong (1), strong
men (1), strong ones (1), stubborn-minded* (1), valiant (1), valiant steeds (1 ...
/hebrew/47.htm - 6k

6571a. parash -- a horse, steed
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a horse, steed NASB Word Usage horses
(2), steeds (1), war horses (1). 6571, 6571a. parash. 6571b . ...
/hebrew/6571a.htm - 5k

The Release of Saint George.
... "Your steeds and weapons you will find ready outside the gates," added the Fairy.
"When once more prepared for battle, go forth, and conquer.". ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

Women who Saved a Nation
... brook Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength! Then did their horse hoofs
pound With the gallop, gallop of steeds. "Blessed above ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/women who saved a nation.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... two huge dolphins, which were swimming by at the time, and which Saint Patrick caught
with cunningly-devised hooks; and thus towing their steeds, they reached ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... Sometimes the lady led the Knight forth, mounted on cream-coloured steeds; at others,
in a chariot drawn by twenty beautiful peacocks; at others, they glided ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter five the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... the Giant. Then she conducted him to the stables, where were a hundred steeds,
thin and jaded, which they had once bestrode. There ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... and all the knights, following Sabrina, led the way to the stables of the castle,
where stood, ready caparisoned, seven of the most superb steeds mortal eye ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... So luscious and luxuriant, too, was the grass that a few tufts were sufficient for
a meal for the noble steeds, and put such strength and spirit into them, that ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

The Preface.
... Severity has always done harm, and always will do harm: And our minds, like noble
and generous steeds, are best managed with an easy rein; rather by reason ...
/.../lardner/a vindication of three of our blessed saviours miracles/the preface.htm

Importance of the Time of Youth; Difficulties and Dangers that ...
... The ardor aroused by them for the commission of evil can be easily employed for
the practice of virtue; they are young and fiery steeds which God has placed at ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter i importance of the.htm

The Wonderful Skill with which Origen Prepares Gregory and ...
... genuine Socratic fashion, and again upsetting us by his argumentation whenever he
saw us getting restive under him, like so many unbroken steeds, and springing ...
/.../argument vii the wonderful skill with.htm

Steeds (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Steeds (11 Occurrences). Judges 5:22 "Then loud beat the
horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/steeds.htm - 9k

Swift (35 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds brought they
to the place where the officers were, every man according to his duty. ...
/s/swift.htm - 19k

Riding (30 Occurrences)
... name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by
courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bread from swift steeds. ...
/r/riding.htm - 16k

Steel (7 Occurrences)

/s/steel.htm - 10k

Quotas (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 4:28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds brought they
to the place where the officers were, every man according to his duty. ...
/q/quotas.htm - 6k

Neighed (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:11 For ye rejoiced, for ye triumphed, ye plunderers of my heritage;
for ye have been wanton as the heifer at grass, and neighed as steeds. (DBY). ...
/n/neighed.htm - 7k

Galloping (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Galloping (4 Occurrences). Judges 5:22 "Then loud beat
the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. (DBY RSV NIV). ...
/g/galloping.htm - 7k

Remnants (8 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ezekiel 27:14 They of the house of Togarmah, 'For' horses, and riding
steeds, and mules, They have given out thy remnants. (YLT). ...
/r/remnants.htm - 9k

Dispatches (2 Occurrences)
... name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by
courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bread from swift steeds. ...
/d/dispatches.htm - 7k

Mule (9 Occurrences)
... mul (peredh (1 Kings 10:25; 1 Kings 18:5 Ezra 2:66 Isaiah 66:20 Zechariah 14:15),
the feminine pirdah (1 Kings 1:33, 38, 44), rekhesh, "swift steeds," the King ...
/m/mule.htm - 13k

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