Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the composition and structure of ancient armies often included cavalry units, which played a significant role in military campaigns and battles. The use of horses in warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the strategic importance of cavalry in ancient Near Eastern military tactics.
Biblical References to CavalryThe presence of cavalry in biblical armies is evident in several passages. In the Old Testament, the Israelites encountered cavalry forces among their adversaries. For instance, the Egyptians, known for their formidable chariots and horsemen, pursued the Israelites during the Exodus.
Exodus 14:9 states, "The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen, and troops—pursued and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon."
The use of cavalry is also noted in the accounts of the Assyrian and Babylonian armies. In
2 Kings 18:23 , the Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official, taunts Hezekiah, king of Judah, saying, "Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them!" This passage underscores the significance of cavalry in the Assyrian military might.
Cavalry in Israelite ArmiesWhile the Israelites initially relied more on infantry, there are indications that they eventually incorporated cavalry into their military forces. King Solomon, known for his wealth and wisdom, amassed a considerable number of horses and chariots.
1 Kings 10:26 records, "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 development of cavalry units within Israelite armies is further evidenced during the reign of King Ahab. In
1 Kings 20:1 , it is mentioned that Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, "mustered his entire army. Thirty-two kings accompanied him with horses and chariots." This suggests that the Israelites had to adapt to the military innovations of their neighbors, including the use of cavalry.
Symbolism and Metaphorical UseBeyond their literal presence in military contexts, horses and cavalry are often used metaphorically in the Bible to convey strength, speed, and power. In the prophetic literature, horses are frequently associated with divine judgment and warfare. For example, in the book of Revelation, the Four Horsemen symbolize various forms of divine intervention and judgment upon the earth (
Revelation 6:1-8).
Divine Sovereignty Over CavalryDespite the formidable nature of cavalry, the Bible consistently emphasizes that true victory and security come from reliance on God rather than military might.
Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over human endeavors, including warfare.
In summary, cavalry played a crucial role in the military strategies of ancient Near Eastern armies, including those mentioned in the Bible. While the Israelites initially faced cavalry as a formidable component of enemy forces, they eventually incorporated it into their own military structure. However, the Scriptures consistently point to the supremacy of divine power over human military strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 14:9But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Kings 20:20
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... aloud I'll proclaim, And join with the armies above, To ... He composed a great number
of tunes, but wrote no ... Some of his books were published in London, for he ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm
Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... direction of the Oracle, are Equestrian armies, sent forth ... enemy from the Euphrates
was wholly composed of cavalry. ... Ezekiel, from which the Turks were descended ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm
The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... has always been the backbone of our armies; but in ... It has been entirely composed
of north countrymen, to a ... been long with native regiments, and were sure that ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm
Chaldaean Civilization
... who perhaps were foreign mercenaries, like the Mazaiu of the armies of the ... them,
and of the divers elements of which they were sometimes composed. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm
The Nile and Egypt
... Vainly did their victorious armies follow the Nile for months ... cloak, I way cite our
cavalry capes, when ... The necklaces were composed of strings of pierced shells ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm
Bossuet -- the Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Grande Conde
... it is true, is stronger; it is composed of those ... to retreat, the two generals and
the two armies seemed to ... knew how to repair their breaches, were unshaken by ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bossuet the funeral sermon.htm
Babylonia and Assyria
... road through Mesopotamia to the Babylonian armies; the Egyptians ... The epic of Gilgames,
composed by Sin-liqi-unnini ... Improvements were made in it from time to time ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The two armies encountered each other once again on ... The people were a robust and
energetic race, devoted ... The army, while composed chiefly of the same classes ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... hand when the fear alone of the Assyrian armies would no ... selected for the purpose
a force composed of cavalry ... The Arabs, who were totally unprepared for such a ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... The framework of the chariot was composed of two pieces of ... accustomed probably differed
but little from those which were in vogue with the armies of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm
Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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