Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Horses Rushing Into the Battle

Bible > Topical > The Wicked are Compared to Horses Rushing Into the Battle

◄ The Wicked are Compared to Horses Rushing Into the Battle ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Scriptures, the imagery of horses rushing into battle is used to depict the reckless and unbridled nature of the wicked. This metaphor highlights the impetuousness and lack of discernment that characterize those who pursue evil, drawing a vivid picture of their headlong rush into destruction without consideration of the consequences.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference for this metaphor is found in the book of Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah, lamenting the spiritual state of the people of Judah, declares: "Each one pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle" (Jeremiah 8:6). This comparison underscores the idea that the wicked, much like war horses, are driven by instinct and compulsion, heedless of the danger that lies ahead.

Contextual Analysis:

Jeremiah's ministry occurred during a time of great moral and spiritual decline in Judah. The people had turned away from the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry and injustice. Despite repeated warnings from the prophets, they persisted in their sinful ways. The metaphor of horses rushing into battle serves to illustrate their stubbornness and the inevitability of their downfall. Just as a horse in battle is oblivious to the peril it faces, so too are the wicked blind to the impending judgment of God.

Theological Implications:

This imagery conveys several theological truths about the nature of wickedness and divine judgment. Firstly, it emphasizes the self-destructive nature of sin. The wicked, in their pursuit of evil, are likened to horses that charge forward without regard for their own safety, ultimately leading to their ruin. Secondly, it reflects the justice of God. The metaphor suggests that the wicked are not merely passive recipients of judgment but active participants in their own demise, having chosen a path that leads away from God.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, this comparison serves as a warning against the dangers of impulsivity and moral recklessness. It calls believers to exercise discernment and self-control, avoiding the path of the wicked who rush headlong into sin. The imagery also encourages introspection, prompting individuals to examine their own lives for areas where they may be acting without wisdom or foresight.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were often associated with warfare and power. They were symbols of strength and speed, used by armies to gain an advantage in battle. By comparing the wicked to horses, the biblical text taps into this cultural understanding, portraying the wicked as formidable yet ultimately doomed due to their lack of restraint and guidance.

Conclusion:

The metaphor of the wicked as horses rushing into battle is a powerful illustration of the perilous nature of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for repentance and the pursuit of righteousness, urging believers to avoid the path of the wicked and seek the wisdom and guidance of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 8:6
I listened and heard, but they spoke not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rushes into the battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second vision "On Earth"
... spirit" (Isaiah 31:3). Here we have horses that are ... are no mere human beings: they
are wicked spirits; and ... See also 1 Corinthians 12:13 compared with Luke 13:15 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Satan's Banquet
... scorn of the wicked but for the wicked to bear ... of Jerusalem, they sprang from their
horses, clapped their ... I ever had before was as nothing compared with this.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... A chariot drawn by horses appears on the "Stele of ... Men in the mean time became wicked;
they lost ... Gilgamesh, Gilgames; Sayce and Oppert have compared this name ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Mystery
... spirits besides, with his disgraceful and wicked fables and ... being slain by a band
of soldiers rushing in upon ... that similitude under which he is compared to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... there was heard in the air a sound as of a rushing wind, and ... his deadly wound in
his mortal stage, previous to going down into the Abyss ... when compared with chap ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... which you forsake is not worthy to be compared with a ... of the burning pit, one of
the wicked ones got ... multitude a chariot and a couple of horses, waiting for ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... 2:Cor.4:18), is not worthy to be compared with a ... them: Thou art the man that art
running into this misery ... and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... To sell and part with Christ; the wicked suggestion still ... out of my bed, I went moping
into the field ... thus represented to me, That my sin, when compared to the ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... make any answer to such foolish and wicked propositions; for ... water along the neck,
and so rushing in the ... Platonic chariot and the pair of horses of dissimilar ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... the new birth did never enter into my mind, neither knew I the comfort of the Word
and promise, nor the deceitfulness and treachery of my own wicked heart. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm