Topical Bible: The Horse: Dedicated to the Sun by Idolaters

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, the horse was often associated with strength, speed, and warfare. However, within the biblical narrative, horses also appear in contexts that highlight their use in idolatrous practices, particularly in relation to sun worship. This entry explores the biblical references to horses dedicated to the sun by idolaters, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural implications of such practices.

Biblical References

One of the most direct references to horses dedicated to the sun is found in the account of King Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 23:11. The text states: "He removed from the entrance of the house of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the room of an official named Nathan-Melech. Josiah then burned the chariots of the sun with fire." . This passage highlights the presence of horses and chariots that were specifically set apart for sun worship, a practice that was contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the ancient world, the sun was often deified and worshipped as a powerful deity. The association of horses with the sun likely stems from their use in chariots, which were seen as vehicles of divine power and speed. In many cultures, the sun was depicted as riding across the sky in a chariot drawn by horses. This imagery was adopted by various pagan religions, where horses became symbols of solar deities.

The Israelites, influenced by surrounding nations, occasionally fell into similar idolatrous practices. The dedication of horses to the sun within the temple precincts in Jerusalem indicates a significant departure from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Such practices were seen as abominations and were strictly condemned by the prophets and reformers in Israel.

Theological Implications

The presence of horses dedicated to the sun within the temple complex underscores the syncretism that plagued Israel and Judah at various points in their history. This syncretism was a direct violation of the first commandment, which demands exclusive allegiance to Yahweh: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The use of horses in sun worship represents a broader pattern of idolatry that often led to Israel's spiritual and moral decline.

King Josiah's removal of these horses and the burning of the chariots signify a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of idolatrous practices. Josiah's reforms were aimed at purifying the worship of Yahweh and restoring the nation to its covenantal obligations. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity in worship and the dangers of adopting pagan practices.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

In biblical literature, horses often symbolize power and military might. However, when associated with idolatry, they become symbols of misplaced trust and spiritual adultery. The prophets frequently used imagery of horses and chariots to convey messages of judgment and divine intervention. For instance, in Habakkuk 3:8, the prophet asks, "Were You angry with the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode Your horses, Your chariots of salvation?" . Here, the imagery of divine chariots and horses contrasts with the idolatrous use of horses, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty and power.

Conclusion

The biblical account of horses dedicated to the sun by idolaters serves as a poignant reminder of the constant struggle between true worship and idolatry. It highlights the need for vigilance in maintaining the purity of worship and the dangers of cultural assimilation that leads to spiritual compromise. Through the reforms of leaders like Josiah, the biblical narrative calls believers to a wholehearted devotion to God, free from the entanglements of idolatrous practices.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 23:11
And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: also ... sin unto salvation, of which
the sun gives us a ... making their prevailing[8] a stalking-horse to worldly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... as the ox was created for ploughing, the horse for riding ... [4789] Joshua, the son
of Nun, bade sun and moon ... be bought and eaten, since with idolaters, and with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... well as of the anointed stones which were dedicated in His ... that in the morning, as
soon as the sun is up ... an adder in the path, that biteth the horse's heels, so ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... The dim twilight before the natural sun was made, is typical of the state of those
who believed before Christ, the Sun of righteousness, arose and was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Doctrine
... pardon of their sins, neither any hopes of eternal life; but poor hearts as they
are, they work for they do not know what, even like a poor horse that works ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm