Topical Bible: Protection: Not to be Found in Horses

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In the biblical context, the concept of protection is often associated with divine providence rather than human or earthly means. The Bible frequently emphasizes that true security and deliverance come from God, not from human strength or military might, such as horses and chariots. This theme is particularly evident in several passages that caution against placing trust in horses for protection.

One of the most direct references to this idea is found in Psalm 20:7, which states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse highlights the contrast between reliance on military power and reliance on God. The psalmist underscores that while nations may depend on their armies and cavalry for security, the people of God place their trust in the Lord, who is the ultimate source of protection.

Similarly, Psalm 33:16-17 reinforces this message: "No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." Here, the psalmist points out the futility of relying on horses and military might for salvation. The passage emphasizes that human strength and resources are insufficient for true deliverance, which only God can provide.

The prophet Isaiah also addresses this theme in Isaiah 31:1, where he 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 verse criticizes the Israelites for seeking military alliances and relying on the strength of horses instead of turning to God for help. Isaiah's admonition serves as a reminder that seeking protection from worldly powers can lead to spiritual neglect and a lack of faith in God's sovereignty.

In the historical context of ancient Israel, horses and chariots were symbols of military power and might. Kings and nations often measured their strength by the size of their cavalry. However, the biblical narrative consistently teaches that such reliance is misplaced. In Deuteronomy 17:16, God commands the future kings of Israel not to accumulate horses, indicating that their security should not be based on military strength but on obedience to God.

The account of King David further illustrates this principle. Despite being a warrior king, David's victories were attributed to his faith in God rather than his military prowess. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares to Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." David's confidence in God's protection, rather than in conventional weapons of war, exemplifies the biblical teaching that true security is found in God alone.

Throughout Scripture, the message is clear: while horses and chariots may offer a semblance of security, they are ultimately inadequate for true protection. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, who is the ultimate protector and deliverer. This reliance on divine protection is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 33:17
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 21:31
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race is Justly Exposed ...
... Is innocence a sufficient protection against the various assaults of demons? ... driven
men to eat human flesh, and that the flesh not of bodies found dead, but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the miseries and.htm

Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... And I wish for their protection for those very persons who ... slight lead of shame;
we had patrons and knew it not. We have found this one thing, in which we seem ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm

God's Care Over Me
... was danger ahead and that I should pray earnestly for protection. ... and George called
to him, "Are you not afraid to ... came time for us to go home, I found that in ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xvi gods care over.htm

Rest for the Weary
... ascension, so He has promised to be found of those ... the guidance of infinite wisdom,
and the protection of almighty ... heath in the desert, and shall not see when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiv rest for the.htm

Epistle Xliv. To Rusticiana, Patrician .
... of stones, but, as their horses would not go in ... the mouth of the crypts, entered,
and found the men ... Almighty God keep you under His heavenly protection both in ...
/.../epistle xliv to rusticiana patrician.htm

Visiting Relatives in the East
... his big umbrella over us and gave us protection from the ... I found later that the injury
I had received in the ... could scarcely bear any noise at all, not even the ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xviii visiting relatives in.htm

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... He visited them, and they found him alive in the ... so that love and harmony do not
sufficiently prevail ... in his infinite mercy, grant us protection and safety ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm

Unrestrained Communion
... He will not carry out His purposes of grace ... of cedar, hedged in with restraints,
for her own protection. ... her case; she is conscious of having found favour in ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... fearlessness which I displayed, trusting in the protection of the ... house of my friend
Azveto; I did not find him ... in an apartment of which I found him writing ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram.htm

Letter Xlvii. (AD 398. )
... of their false gods, but all things which enjoy the protection secured by ... Since in
this question it is not assumed that the food thus found was offered to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xlvii a d 398.htm