Topical Bible: The Horse: Prepared and Trained for War

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, power, and military might. Its role in warfare is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The horse's speed, agility, and strength made it an invaluable asset in battle, often determining the outcome of military engagements.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible often associates horses with war and conquest. In the book of Job, the warhorse is vividly described, capturing its readiness and eagerness for battle: "He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword" (Job 39:21-22). This passage illustrates the horse's fearlessness and its crucial role in the chaos of war.

In the Psalms, the limitations of relying solely on horses for victory are acknowledged: "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save" (Psalm 33:17). This verse serves as a reminder that while horses are powerful, ultimate deliverance and victory come from the Lord.

Historical Context

Horses were introduced to the Israelites relatively late compared to other ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, Hittites, and Assyrians had long utilized horses in their chariots and cavalry, giving them a significant advantage in warfare. The Israelites, initially a pastoral and agrarian society, gradually adopted the use of horses, particularly during the reigns of King David and King Solomon.

King Solomon is noted for his extensive use of horses and chariots, which he imported from Egypt and other regions. "Solomon had four thousand stalls for his chariot horses and twelve thousand horses" (2 Chronicles 9:25). This accumulation of horses and chariots signified not only military strength but also wealth and prestige.

Prophetic Imagery

Horses also appear prominently in prophetic literature, often symbolizing divine judgment and power. In the book of Zechariah, horses are depicted as instruments of God's will: "I looked up again and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black, the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful" (Zechariah 6:1-3). These horses represent the four spirits of heaven, sent out to patrol the earth.

In the New Testament, the book of Revelation uses the imagery of horses to convey apocalyptic visions. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride on horses of different colors, each symbolizing a different aspect of God's judgment: conquest, war, famine, and death (Revelation 6:1-8).

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

While horses were essential for military campaigns, the Bible consistently emphasizes that true security and victory come from God, not from military might. Proverbs 21:31 states, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD" . This verse encapsulates the biblical perspective that while human preparation and strength are necessary, they are ultimately subordinate to divine sovereignty.

The horse, as a creature of war, serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human power and the eternal nature of God's dominion. Throughout Scripture, the horse is a testament to the might of creation and the Creator, urging believers to place their trust not in earthly forces but in the Lord Almighty.

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

The Story of Panthea.
... This plan was agreed upon, and Araspes prepared for his ... at the head of two thousand
horse, which formed ... War horses, properly trained to their work, will fight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter x the story of.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... The Lord is prepared to teach you in his truth; to ... discipline, or providential
discipline, because we have been trained to joyful ... "Be ye not as the horse, or as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

An Appeal and a Response
... of the living fire transformed him, and prepared him for ... Some people are like the
horse whom his owner said had ... young men and women who have been trained to be ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xx an appeal and a.htm

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... But the dog and horse take no account of the ... is in high estimation with them, and
the ointment prepared from roses ... Those, then, who are trained by the Word are ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... As the Spartan lads were prepared for fighting by the sharp ... their boyish days, so
are God's servants trained for war ... He has been as the horse or the mule which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... that had driven him into the wilderness prepared his mind ... other great leaders of
Israel were trained in this ... between his own loose knees the horse trembled in ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

The Stage as it was Once.
... That a surfeit of evil by good is prepared, And sons ... horse; and something more"the
ship,"the horse of the ... each a small farmer; each a trained soldier, and ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture ii the stage as.htm

Huss and Jerome.
... and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned ... before the torments
that are prepared for me by ... a host of brave, warlike men, trained and equipped ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /6 huss and jerome.htm

Huss and Jerome
... and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned ... before the torments
that are prepared for me by ... a host of brave, warlike men, trained and equipped ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... From his birth he is trained to suffering and ... and sees nothing commended but hunting,
horse-racing, visiting ... he blossoms; bears fruit; and is prepared to be ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm