Topical Bible: The Horse: Urged on by Whips

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the horse was a symbol of strength, speed, and warfare. Horses were highly valued for their ability to carry riders swiftly into battle and were often associated with military might and power. The use of whips to urge horses on is mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the practices of ancient cultures in managing and controlling these powerful animals.

Biblical References

The Bible makes several references to horses, often in the context of war and conquest. In the book of Job, the horse is described with vivid imagery that highlights its strength 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?" (Job 39:19-20). This passage underscores the horse's natural vigor and the awe it inspires.

The use of whips to urge horses is implied in the context of battle and chariots. In the book of Nahum, the prophet describes the scene of an impending attack: "The crack of the whip, the rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot!" (Nahum 3:2). Here, the whip is part of the imagery of war, suggesting the urgency and intensity of the battle as horses are driven forward.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the horse often represents human strength and the futility of relying on earthly power rather than divine providence. The psalmist warns against placing trust in horses for deliverance: "A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save" (Psalm 33:17). This reflects a broader biblical theme that emphasizes reliance on God rather than on human or animal strength.

The imagery of urging horses with whips can also be seen as a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of human ambition and the dangers of being driven by external pressures. The prophet Jeremiah laments the misplaced trust in military power: "Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their horsemen charge ahead; their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour" (Jeremiah 4:13). This passage highlights the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the consequences of relying on force.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, horses were an integral part of military and royal life. They were used in chariots, which were a key component of warfare and a symbol of royal authority. The use of whips to control and direct horses was a common practice, reflecting the need for discipline and coordination in battle.

The biblical portrayal of horses and the use of whips reflects the realities of ancient warfare and the cultural significance of these animals. Horses were not only tools of war but also symbols of status and power. The biblical narrative often contrasts this earthly power with the ultimate sovereignty of God, who is depicted as the true source of strength and deliverance.

Conclusion

The horse, urged on by whips, serves as a powerful image in the Bible, representing both the might of human endeavor and the limitations of relying on worldly strength. Through these references, the biblical text invites readers to consider the source of true power and the importance of placing trust in God above all else.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 26:3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Crossing the Hellespont.
... second day, first, an immense squadron of horse, with garlands ... The officers urged
the work forward as rapidly as ... alike by the lashes of their whips"every one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter v crossing the hellespont.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... in unto the proud monarch, and had urged the demand ... He stopped, and, giving his horse
to his servant, he ... and when they heard the cracking of the whips, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... The inhabitants of Bit-Yakin, urged on either by their natural restlessness or ... the
bows being sometimes distinguished by the carving of a horse's head, which ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... to his worship, decrees and laws, by whips, fines, prisons ... with for accepting his
office and urged to give it up ... him, and, later, soldiers and a troop of horse. ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... driven by unreasoning passion and the whips of evil ... from learning these things, but
are even urged to [consider ... human origin, rode on the [divine] horse Pegasus ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... 2. These are the reasons which have urged me to speak ... and exhibitions, as we see,
at the horse-races; they ... of the horses) with their fingers as whips, they yoke ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... 42. 'By these things' my mind was now so turned, that it lay like a horse leech
at the vein, still crying out, Give, give (Proverbs 30:15); yea, it was so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Dan is a lion's whelp that leapeth forth from Bashan" on the Hermon;* "a serpent
in the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse's heels, so that his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm