Topical Bible: The Horse: Fearless

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a majestic and powerful creature, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength, speed, and fearlessness. Its depiction in Scripture often highlights its role in warfare, its untamed spirit, and its embodiment of courage and might.

Symbol of Strength and Warfare

In biblical times, horses were primarily associated with chariots and cavalry, representing military power and the ability to conquer. The horse's strength and speed made it an invaluable asset in battle. In Job 39:19-25, the Lord speaks of the horse's might and fearlessness: "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? He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword."

This passage emphasizes the horse's innate courage and readiness for battle, illustrating its role as a fearless warrior. The horse's ability to "laugh at fear" and remain undaunted by the threat of danger underscores its symbolic representation of bravery and fortitude.

Divine Judgment and Prophecy

Horses also appear in prophetic visions and apocalyptic imagery, often signifying divine judgment and the execution of God's will. In the book of Revelation, horses are central to the vision of the Four Horsemen, each representing different aspects of God's judgment upon the earth. Revelation 6:2 describes the first horse: "So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer."

The white horse and its rider symbolize conquest, with the horse's fearless nature reflecting the unstoppable advance of divine decree. The imagery of horses in prophetic contexts serves to convey the swiftness and certainty of God's plans, as well as the awe-inspiring power of His judgments.

Trust in God Over Military Might

Despite the horse's association with strength and military prowess, the Bible consistently teaches that true security and victory come from trusting in God rather than relying on human power. 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 contrasts the reliance on earthly might with the faithfulness of God, reminding believers that ultimate deliverance and protection are found in Him alone.

Similarly, Proverbs 21:31 states, "A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." This proverb reinforces the idea that while horses may be prepared for war, it is God who grants success and victory. The horse's fearlessness and strength, though impressive, are subordinate to the sovereign will of God.

Conclusion

The horse, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of fearlessness, strength, and the futility of relying solely on human might. Its presence in Scripture calls believers to recognize the supremacy of God's power and to place their trust in Him above all else.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 39:20,22
Can you make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Fearless of Rains and Dews
... Chapter 1. Wesley as a Missionary to Georgia Fearless of Rains and Dews. ... But my horse
tiring, I was obliged to return the straight way to Charleston. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/fearless of rains and dews.htm

Expatriation
... The trampled space in the road convinced him that the horse had departed
with a number of others. ... The answer was direct and fearless. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlii expatriation.htm

Face to Face with Shams
... Ambrose had been no less masterful than he, and no less fearless; but the training
of Ambrose in ... One man may steal a horse, another may not look over the hedge ...
/.../chapter xxiii face to face.htm

Psalm LV.
... had received, the Maker Himself reproveth, saying, "Do not become like horse and
mule ... Christ on the sea was walking fearless, from whose heart there could not ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Palm Branches.
... prophecy, the meek and lowly Nazarene, seated on no caparisoned war-horse, but on ...
Shall we think of Lazarus too, fearless of his own personal safety, venturing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xviii palm branches.htm

On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small
... something to say, a definite view of things to utter, and that always means that
a man is fearless and faces ... We may jump upon a child's rocking-horse for a joke ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iii on mr rudyard kipling.htm

Letter cxviii. To Julian.
... his rank, he had already strapped on his sword-belt [3072] and sent down a requisition
to have a stage-horse saddled. ... Fearless will be the man on whom it falls ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxviii to julian.htm

The Eternal Revolution
... abstract words: as did Aristotle and Calvin, and even Karl Marx, the hard, fearless
men of ... How can I pluck up courage to take the horse out of my hansom-cab ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/vii the eternal revolution.htm

Exodus
... preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, early training, and fearless
love of ... Sing to Jehovah, for He hath triumphed gloriously; The horse and his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

Peace
... They may be fearless and stupid; but there is a great difference between a stupified
conscience, and a ... Sin is the Achan that troubles us, the Trojan horse. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm