Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the horse is considered an unclean animal according to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament. The classification of animals into clean and unclean is primarily found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. While the horse is not explicitly mentioned in these lists, it does not meet the criteria for clean animals, which include chewing the cud and having a split hoof (Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6).Symbolism and Usage in Scripture Horses are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, speed, and military power. They are associated with warfare and conquest, as seen in various passages. For instance, in Exodus 15:1, the song of Moses celebrates the Lord's triumph over the Egyptians, stating, "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea." This verse highlights the horse's role in the Egyptian army and God's power over human military might. In the prophetic literature, horses are often depicted in visions and symbolic imagery. The book of Zechariah, for example, describes horses of different colors representing God's judgment and activity on earth (Zechariah 1:8-10). Similarly, in the book of Revelation, horses appear as part of the apocalyptic visions, symbolizing various forms of divine judgment and events in the end times (Revelation 6:2-8). Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, horses were highly valued for their use in chariots and cavalry, contributing significantly to military campaigns. The Israelites, however, were often cautioned against relying on horses for their security and strength. In Deuteronomy 17:16, the king of Israel is instructed not to acquire many horses, emphasizing reliance on God rather than military power: "But he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said to you, 'You are never to go back that way again.'" The Psalms also reflect this sentiment, as seen in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse underscores the biblical theme of trusting in divine providence over human strength and resources. Dietary Laws and Implications While horses were not consumed as food by the Israelites due to their classification as unclean, they played a significant role in transportation and warfare. The dietary laws served to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations and to instill a sense of holiness and obedience to God's commands. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was a part of the broader covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing purity and separation from pagan practices. In summary, while the horse is considered unclean in terms of dietary laws, its presence in the biblical narrative is rich with symbolic meaning and cultural significance. The biblical portrayal of horses serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the importance of reliance on God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 39:19-25Have you given the horse strength? have you clothed his neck with thunder? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In the Thirteenth Chapter of Revelation Two Beasts are There ... On the Animals Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, The Shepherd of Pella St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of ... The Final Conflict. The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint. 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The Seventh Commandment Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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