Topical Bible: The Horse: The Jews: Brought Back Many, from Babylon

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a symbol of strength and swiftness, holds a significant place in biblical narratives and the history of the Jewish people. In the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, horses played a crucial role in the restoration and rebuilding efforts of the nation of Israel.

Historical Context

The Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history, began in 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, taking many Jews captive to Babylon. This period of exile lasted until 538 BC, when Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland (Ezra 1:1-4).

Role of Horses in the Return

The return from Babylon was not merely a spiritual and cultural restoration but also involved significant logistical challenges. Horses, as essential means of transportation and labor, were integral to the journey back to Jerusalem and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. The use of horses facilitated the movement of people, goods, and materials necessary for reconstruction.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly detail the use of horses in the return from Babylon, their importance can be inferred from various passages that highlight their role in ancient Near Eastern societies. Horses were valued for their speed and strength, often used in warfare, chariots, and as beasts of burden.

In the broader biblical narrative, horses are frequently mentioned as symbols of power and military might. For instance, in the book of Zechariah, horses are part of prophetic visions symbolizing God's sovereignty and the execution of His plans (Zechariah 1:8-11).

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In Jewish tradition, the horse is often seen as a representation of human strength and reliance on military power, contrasted with the biblical call to trust in God. The psalmist writes, "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save" (Psalm 33:17). This perspective underscores the belief that true deliverance and restoration come from God, not merely through human means or strength.

Post-Exilic Period

After the return from Babylon, the Jewish community faced the task of rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing their society. Horses likely continued to serve as valuable assets in these endeavors, aiding in construction and agriculture. The post-exilic period was marked by a renewed commitment to the covenant and the laws of God, as seen in the reforms led by figures like Ezra and Nehemiah.

Conclusion

The horse, while not explicitly mentioned in the context of the Jewish return from Babylon, undoubtedly played a vital role in the practical aspects of this significant historical event. Its presence in the broader biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the balance between human effort and divine providence in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 2:66
Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ...
... he had put his army in array, he brought it into ... a great number of the officers of
the horse, had been ... at the northern quarter of it; but the Jews beat them ...
/.../chapter 19 what cestius did.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... So Jeremiah ascribes the cause of the Jews' sins and ... born of death, mounted on his
pale horse (Revelation 6 ... that day come wherein thou must be brought forth to ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ...
... to come up; while he himself had Josephus brought to him ... to a party of horsemen,
when the Jews were already ... into the valley together, spurred his horse on their ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus gave.htm

Matt. 8:11 Many
... scoffed at them, and said, "What do these feeble Jews? ... blessed martyrs of our own
land who brought about the ... war came forward in front of the Horse Guards, and ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiii matt 8 11 many.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... However, he went out and led the horse, and took the ... of my life, and of my dominion,
brought to destruction ... 20] but since I perceived that these Jews, that were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... To the middle of the night he was sleeping like a horse; from that ... him be brought
who knew it and did not say." They brought the son ... [78] The Jews divided the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... this message to Mordecai: "Go, gather all the Jews in Susa ... wishes to honor let a
royal garment be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse on which ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

Psalm LV.
... reproveth, saying, "Do not become like horse and mule ... been made whole it may be brought
back to the ... There roared without Jews, within a disciple was betraying. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... One writer says, that two four-horse chariots could pass ... He brought with him for
Alexander gifts of various kinds ... to be re-occupied by the Jews after seventy ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... [Illustration: 054.jpg THE HORSE OF NERGAL ... they had been ordinary foes, such as Jews,
Tibarenians, or ... Tiglath-pileser I., and these were brought back in triumph ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm