The Horse: The Jews: Forbidden to Multiply
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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 17:16
But 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.
... [3851] Let the Jews be offended ... Spur your horse to the goal. ... not, however, because
it was evil from the beginning when planted; nor was it forbidden because God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... approving the gold, we must approve the Jews as well ... both condemned by the apostle
[1378] and forbidden by the ... of your horizon, let them be a four-horse team to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

Matt. xv. 21, 22
... they ought to be partakers, neither am I forbidden, though I be ... he sprang upon the
people of the Jews, for all ... For much as our emperors at the horse races heap ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lii matt xv 21.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... it, but will be more quickly broken than straightened; and a horse of a hot ... haste,
that we fall not into that fault which was forbidden to Lot ... So did the Jews. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... who minister in God's temple are forbidden to drink ... the church we are to understand
Jews, heretics and ... are willing, like the charioteers in the horse races, to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxix to oceanus.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... will to do." [338] So it was said to the Jews. ... he invited our first parents, to eat
forbidden fruit, and ... "Be fruitful," God says, "and multiply, and replenish ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... to preach the kingdom of heaven is forbidden to put ... The Jews therefore said, In
forty-six years was ... third is animated and sentient substance, as animal, horse. ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... on procreation, [4276] "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish ... force to virgins,
since marriage is forbidden even to ... Church he was a Jew to Jews, a Gentile ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... ox was created for ploughing, the horse for riding ... Apion, describes three sects of
the Jews, the Pharisees ... the eating of the unclean was forbidden, otherwise the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... is a great form, and little power (and such there was among the Jews, in the ... But
since thou art forbidden to trust to it, it is evident it cannot save; nor is ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

Resources
What are the Christian themes in The Horse and His Boy? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Jesus going to return on a white horse? | GotQuestions.org

The Haters: Hobby Horse Christians | GotQuestions.org

Horse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Horse

Horse Gate

Horse used by the Egyptians in War

Horse used by the Israelites

Horse used for Cavalry

Horse: Bells For

Horse: Bits For

Horse: Color of

Horse: Commerce In

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: Egypt Famous For

Horse: Exported: from Babylon

Horse: Exported: from Egypt

Horse: Forbidden to the Kings of Israel

Horse: Hamstrung by David

Horse: Hamstrung by Joshua

Horse: Harness For

Horse: Israel Reproved for Keeping

Horse: Symbolical

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 Hunting

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: Fearless

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: Strong

The Horse: Sure Footed

The Horse: Swift

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: Urged on by Whips

The Horse: Vanity of Trusting To

The Horse: Want of Understanding In, Alluded To

The Horse: Warlike in Disposition

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Visiting (10 Occurrences)

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The Horse: The Jews: Condemned for Trusting To
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