A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battleThis phrase emphasizes the importance of preparation and readiness. In ancient times, horses were a crucial part of military strategy, symbolizing strength and speed. The Hebrew root for "prepared" (כּוּן, kun) implies establishing or making firm, suggesting that thorough preparation is essential. Historically, horses were meticulously trained and equipped for warfare, reflecting the human responsibility to diligently prepare for challenges. This preparation, however, is not solely reliant on human effort but is a call to be faithful stewards of the resources and abilities God has provided. but victory is of the LORD
This phrase shifts the focus from human effort to divine sovereignty. The Hebrew word for "victory" (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshuah) can also mean deliverance or salvation, indicating that ultimate success and deliverance come from God. This reflects a central biblical theme: while humans are called to act responsibly and prepare, the outcome is ultimately in God's hands. Historically, Israel's victories often came through divine intervention rather than military might, reinforcing the belief that God is the ultimate source of triumph. This serves as a reminder to trust in God's providence and sovereignty, acknowledging that while we must do our part, it is God who grants success. Persons / Places / Events 1. The HorseIn ancient times, horses were symbols of strength and power, especially in warfare. They were essential for chariots and cavalry, representing human preparation and effort. 2. The Day of BattleThis refers to times of conflict or challenge, whether literal battles or metaphorical struggles in life. It emphasizes moments when human effort is put to the test. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and ultimate control over all events, including the outcomes of battles. Teaching Points Human Preparation is NecessaryWhile the verse underscores God's sovereignty, it also acknowledges the importance of preparation. We are called to be diligent and responsible in our efforts. Ultimate Trust in GodDespite our preparations, we must place our ultimate trust in God. Recognizing His control over outcomes fosters humility and reliance on His wisdom and power. God's Sovereignty in Life's BattlesIn every challenge, whether personal, spiritual, or communal, we should remember that God is in control. This perspective can bring peace and confidence. Balance Between Effort and FaithChristians are encouraged to find a balance between doing their part and trusting God for the results. This balance is crucial for a mature faith. Acknowledging God's Role in SuccessWhen victories come, it is important to give credit to God, acknowledging His hand in our successes and blessings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the horse in battle relate to our own efforts in facing life's challenges? 2. In what ways can we prepare for "the day of battle" in our spiritual lives, and how can we ensure our trust remains in the LORD? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "victory" in your life. How did you see God's hand in that situation? 4. How can we maintain a balance between diligent preparation and reliance on God's sovereignty in our daily lives? 5. What other biblical accounts or passages illustrate the principle that "victory is of the LORD," and how do they enhance your understanding of Proverbs 21:31? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, reinforcing the idea that true security and victory come from God, not human strength. 1 Samuel 17:47David's declaration before facing Goliath highlights that the battle belongs to the LORD, illustrating reliance on God rather than human might. Zechariah 4:6This verse emphasizes that success is achieved not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the LORD, aligning with the theme of divine sovereignty in Proverbs 21:31. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Battle, Belongs, Deliverance, Horse, Overcome, Power, Prepared, Ready, Rests, Safety, Victory, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:31 5597 victory, act of God
5612 weapons Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:31 NIVProverbs 21:31 NLTProverbs 21:31 ESVProverbs 21:31 NASBProverbs 21:31 KJV
Proverbs 21:31 Commentaries
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