HORSES
Were anciently less used for labor, in Bible land, than oxen and asses. They were used by princes and warriors, both with and without chariots, Exodus 14:9, Exodus 1:14 Esther 6:8 Ecclesiastes 10:7. The finest description of the war-horse ever written is found in one of the most ancient books, Job 1:39-25. Horses were common in Egypt, Genesis 47:17; Genesis 1:50 Song of Solomon 1:9; but the Jews were at first forbidden to go there for them, Deuteronomy 17:16, or the keep any large number, Joshua 11:6 2 Samuel 8:4. The object of this was to restrain them from growing proud, idolatrous, and fond of conquest, Isaiah 1:31-3. Solomon, however, procured a large cavalry and chariot force, 2 Chronicles 1:1-17; 2 Chronicles 1:9. Horses were sometimes consecrated to idols, 2 Kings 23:11, and were often used as symbols of angelic and earthly powers, under the control of God, 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Kings 1:6 Zechariah 1:8; Zechariah 1:6 Revelation 2:18.