Topical Bible: The Horse: Swift

◄ The Horse: Swift ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The horse, a symbol of strength and swiftness, holds a significant place in biblical literature and history. Known for its speed and power, the horse is often associated with warfare, majesty, and divine judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were primarily used in battle and for chariots, making them a symbol of military might and rapid movement.

Biblical References:

1. Symbol of Strength and Speed:
The horse's swiftness is frequently highlighted in the Bible. In the book of Job, the horse is described with vivid imagery that emphasizes its power and eagerness 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? He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle" (Job 39:19-21). This passage underscores the horse's readiness and enthusiasm for combat, reflecting its role as a formidable creature.

2. Instrument of War:
Horses were integral to ancient warfare, often pulling chariots and carrying warriors into battle. In Exodus, the Egyptians' reliance on horses and chariots is evident during their pursuit of the Israelites: "Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, and the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them" (Exodus 15:19). This event highlights the futility of trusting in military strength against the power of God.

3. Divine Judgment:
The horse is also depicted as an instrument of divine judgment. In the book of Revelation, the Four Horsemen symbolize various forms of judgment upon the earth. The first horseman rides a white horse, representing conquest: "Then 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" (Revelation 6:2). The swift movement of the horse signifies the rapid execution of divine will.

4. Majesty and Royalty:
Horses are associated with royalty and majesty, often used in royal processions and ceremonies. King Solomon's wealth and splendor included a vast collection of horses and chariots, as noted in 1 Kings 10:26: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem" . This accumulation of horses signified not only wealth but also the king's power and prestige.

5. Trust in God Over Horses:
Despite their strength and speed, the Bible cautions against placing ultimate trust in horses. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" . This verse serves as a reminder that true security and victory come from reliance on God rather than human military power.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the biblical era, horses were highly valued and often imported from regions like Egypt and Cilicia. They were considered a luxury and a sign of wealth, as well as a crucial component of a nation's military capabilities. The Israelites, however, were initially discouraged from amassing horses, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16, which warns the king not to "multiply horses for himself" , emphasizing reliance on God rather than military strength.

The horse's depiction in the Bible as swift and powerful serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both human might and the futility of relying solely on earthly power. Its presence in scripture underscores themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the ultimate supremacy of God's will over human endeavors.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:16
But you said, No; for we will flee on horses; therefore shall you flee: and, We will ride on the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 4:13
Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are spoiled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hastens to eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

5483. cuwc -- a swallow, swift (type of bird)
... a swallow, swift (type of bird). Transliteration: cuwc Phonetic Spelling: (soos)
Short ... an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping ...
/hebrew/5483.htm - 5k

Library

The Noachic Covenant
... The huge elephant and the swift horse shall become your obedient servants;
the lion and the tiger shall tremble and flee before you. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xi the noachic covenant.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... [94] I was swift and active in my youth, and obedient to ... And the other king, Taphue,
[95] I slew as he sat upon his horse, and so I scattered all the people. ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... No citizen might bring his horse upon it unless a diploma had been granted him"it ...
rattling in a deep-worn rut, behind teams of horses moving at a swift gallop ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

Why Man is Destitute of Natural Weapons and Covering
... by nature: but man alone of all is slower than the beasts that are swift of foot ...
For if man had had such power as to be able to outrun the horse in swiftness ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/vii why man is destitute.htm

The King's Highway Opened and Cleared
... him"a mounted rider upon his pale horse; and after Death there cometh Hell with
all the powers and legions of Satan, all athirst for blood and swift to slay. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the kings highway opened and.htm

The Capture of Chrysostom
... Philip was a youth of courage and swift decision. He instantly determined what to
do. He hurried back through the Roman Gate, hired a horse, galloped to Singon ...
/.../chapter xv the capture of.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... or is it to be swift and strong in its legs, and even in its paces, and to have
hoofs suitable to a well bred horse, and courage fitted for long journies and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Third Part.
... The horse neighs at the trumpet; the Leviathan laughs at the speare. ... Christian, strong
and bold as the Lyon; not turning his head for any; as swift as the grey ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the third part.htm

Before Egypt's Throne
... He straightened himself and drew his horse away from her so that she could not ... The
messenger had been swift and the court had had time to prepare to greet the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

First Tractate.
... conditions as man and horse and the rest man and horse persisting but ... Of these material
elements " for example " fire, the keen and swift, cooperates by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/plotinus/the six enneads/first tractate 2.htm