Topical Bible: The Horse in Battle Protected by Armour

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The horse, a symbol of strength and swiftness, plays a significant role in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of warfare. In ancient times, horses were not only used for transportation and agriculture but were also integral to military operations. The use of horses in battle, often protected by armor, is a testament to their value and the strategic advantage they provided.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible frequently mentions horses in the context of war. In Job 39:19-25, the horse is depicted as a creature of great power and fearlessness, eager for battle: "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 highlights the horse's natural attributes that make it suitable for warfare.

In the prophetic literature, horses often symbolize military might and the power of nations. For instance, in Revelation 6:2, the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rides a white horse, symbolizing conquest: "So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer" . This imagery underscores the horse's association with victory and dominance.

Historical Context and Armor

Historically, horses used in battle were often equipped with armor to protect them from enemy attacks. This practice was common among ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, and later the Romans. The armor, known as barding, could include metal plates, chainmail, or leather coverings designed to shield the horse's head, neck, and body.

While the Bible does not explicitly describe armored horses, the concept aligns with the broader historical context of warfare during biblical times. The presence of chariots, often drawn by horses, is well-documented in the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 14:9, Pharaoh's army pursues the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen, and troops" . The use of chariots, which could be fortified with protective elements, suggests a parallel to the idea of armored horses.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the horse in battle represents the futility of relying solely on human strength and military power. Psalm 20:7 reminds believers of the importance of trusting in God rather than in earthly might: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" . This verse serves as a caution against placing ultimate confidence in the tools of war, including the formidable horse.

Similarly, Proverbs 21:31 states, "A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD" . This proverb emphasizes that while preparation and strength are necessary, true victory comes from divine intervention and guidance.

Conclusion

The horse in battle, often protected by armor, is a powerful image in biblical literature, symbolizing both the might of human armies and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Through various scriptural references, the Bible illustrates the horse's role in warfare while simultaneously pointing to the greater spiritual truth that reliance on God surpasses all earthly power.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 46:4
Harness the horses; and get up, you horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, and put on the brigandines.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... was to fight, and the shield-bearer"qazana"who protected his companion ... himself to
the back of a horse, and it ... one of the episodes of the battle; the latter ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... element, whose appearance on the field of battle was to ... the head and legs of the
second horse in profile ... scaffolding of the machine was usually protected by a ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... was, in fact, a chaste and warlike Ishtar, who led the armies into battle with a ...
He figures on it in full armour, wearing a turban on his head, and treading ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... merchants who found themselves no longer protected by his ... Philistine archers are
mentioned in the battle of Gilboa ... the path, that biteth the horse's heels, so ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... at the expiration of which the battle should begin. ... enemy of Tishtrya the wicked
black horse, the bringer ... enclosed in slight structures, well protected by walls ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the Egyptian armies had merely appeared on the fields of battle to beat a ... by the
Assyrian battalions, and that when once the desert which protected Egypt had ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... The battle of Naseby was fought a few days after; the numbers of the ... be the meaning
of this (trumpeters), they neither sound boot and saddle, nor horse and away ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm