Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the horse is often associated with strength, warfare, and wealth. However, for the Israelites, the multiplication of horses was explicitly forbidden by God as part of His covenantal instructions to them. This prohibition is rooted in the desire to maintain Israel's reliance on God rather than on military might or economic power.Biblical Prohibition The primary scriptural reference regarding the prohibition against multiplying horses is found in Deuteronomy 17:16. In this passage, God provides specific instructions for the future kings of Israel: "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more of them, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’" . This command underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and protection rather than in human resources or alliances, particularly with Egypt, a nation synonymous with Israel's past bondage. Symbolism and Significance Horses in the ancient Near East were symbols of military power and prestige. They were primarily used in chariots, which were the most advanced military technology of the time. By forbidding the accumulation of horses, God was instructing Israel to avoid the temptation of relying on military strength. This directive was a call to faith, reminding the Israelites that their security and success depended on their covenant relationship with God, not on the size of their army or the number of their horses. Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, there were instances where this command was either followed or ignored, with significant consequences. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, is noted for his accumulation of horses and chariots, which was in direct violation of God's command. 1 Kings 10:26-28 records, "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue." . This accumulation was part of Solomon's broader pattern of disobedience, which eventually led to the division of the kingdom. Theological Implications The prohibition against multiplying horses is a theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom. It emphasizes that God's people are to be distinct from other nations, relying on divine power rather than human strength. This principle is echoed throughout the Scriptures, where reliance on God is consistently portrayed as the path to true security and blessing. Psalm 20:7 captures this sentiment: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." . Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions In prophetic literature, the horse often symbolizes impending judgment or deliverance. For instance, in the book of Revelation, horses are used as symbols in the apocalyptic visions, representing various divine judgments and events (Revelation 6:1-8). These images serve to remind believers of God's ultimate sovereignty over history and the futility of relying on earthly power. In summary, the biblical injunction against multiplying horses for the Israelites serves as a profound reminder of the call to trust in God above all else. It reflects a broader biblical theme that true strength and security are found not in human resources but in faithful obedience to God's commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 17:16But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: for as much as the LORD has said to you, You shall from now on return no more that way. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ. Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Matt. xv. 21, 22 The Second Oration on Easter. Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. Against Jovinianus. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Pharisee and the Publican Resources What are the Christian themes in The Horse and His Boy? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Jesus going to return on a white horse? | GotQuestions.org The Haters: Hobby Horse Christians | GotQuestions.org Horse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Horse used by the Egyptians in War Horse: Dedicated to Religious Uses Horse: Description of a Vain Thing for Safety Horse: Description of Great Strength Horse: Description of Snorting and Neighing of Horse: Description of Swifter than Eagles Horse: Forbidden to the Kings of Israel Horse: Israel Reproved for Keeping The Horse in Battle Protected by Armour The Horse used for Bearing Burdens The Horse used for Conveying Posts The Horse used for Drawing Chariots The Horse used for Mounting Calvary The Horse: A Dull Headstrong Disposition The Horse: Adorned With Bells on the Neck The Horse: Beauty of the Church The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Bay The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Black The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Grisled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Pale or Ash Colour The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Red The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: Speckled The Horse: Colours of, Mentioned: White The Horse: Dedicated to the Sun by Idolaters The Horse: Endued With Strength by God The Horse: Fed on Grain and Herbs The Horse: Fierce and Impetuous The Horse: Glorious and Triumphant Deliverance of the Church The Horse: Governed by Bit and Bridle The Horse: Hard Hoofs of, Alluded To The Horse: Impetuosity of the Wicked in Sin The Horse: Kings and Princes Rode On The Horse: Loud Snorting of, Alluded To The Horse: Notice of Early Traffic In The Horse: Numbers of, Kept for War The Horse: Often Suffered in Battle The Horse: Often Suffered in the Hoof from Prancing The Horse: Often Suffered: from Bites of Serpents The Horse: Often Suffered: from Blindness The Horse: Often Suffered: from Murrain The Horse: Often Suffered: from Plague The Horse: Prepared and Trained for War The Horse: Sold in Fairs and Markets The Horse: The Jews: Brought Back Many, from Babylon The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Multiplying The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Trusting To The Horse: The Jews: Forbidden to Multiply The Horse: The Jews: Imported from Egypt The Horse: The Jews: Multiplied in Solomon's Reign The Horse: The Jews: Not to Trust In The Horse: Vanity of Trusting To The Horse: Want of Understanding In, Alluded To The Horse: Warlike in Disposition Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |