Topical Encyclopedia
Coursers, in the context of the Bible, refer to swift horses or steeds known for their speed and agility. These animals were highly valued in ancient times for their use in warfare, chariots, and as symbols of strength and power. The term "courser" itself is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible; however, the concept is closely related to the descriptions of horses used in various biblical narratives.
Biblical References and Symbolism1.
Horses in Warfare: Horses were integral to the military might of ancient civilizations. In the Bible, they are often associated with chariots and the armies of powerful nations. For instance, in
Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots." This passage highlights the reliance on horses for speed and strength in battle.
2.
Symbol of Strength and Majesty: Horses are frequently depicted as symbols of strength and majesty. In
Job 39:19-25, God describes the horse's might and fearlessness: "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?" This passage emphasizes the horse's power and the awe it inspires.
3.
Prophetic Imagery: Horses are also used in prophetic imagery to convey messages of judgment and power. In
Zechariah 6:1-8, the prophet sees four chariots with horses of different colors, representing the four spirits of heaven going out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. This vision underscores the role of horses as divine agents in executing God's will.
4.
Symbol of Human Pride and Reliance: The Bible often warns against placing trust in horses and chariots instead of God.
Psalm 20:7 states, "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 of the futility of relying on human strength and the importance of faith in God.
5.
Eschatological Visions: In the book of Revelation, horses play a significant role in the apocalyptic visions.
Revelation 6:2-8 describes the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each riding a different colored horse, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These horses represent the unfolding of divine judgment upon the earth.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, horses were a symbol of wealth and status. They were imported from regions like Egypt and were often associated with royalty and the elite. Solomon, known for his wealth and wisdom, amassed a large number of horses and chariots, as recorded in
1 Kings 10:26: "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses."
The use of horses in biblical times was not limited to warfare. They were also used for transportation and ceremonial purposes. The presence of horses in a kingdom was a sign of prosperity and military capability.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical portrayal of horses, including coursers, serves as a metaphor for human reliance on earthly power versus divine strength. While horses are admired for their beauty and speed, the scriptures consistently point to the superiority of God's power and the need for trust in Him above all else. The imagery of horses in the Bible invites believers to reflect on the source of their security and to place their confidence in the Lord rather than in worldly might.
Library
The Second Part.
... yea in many histrionicall Protestants: Horse-coursers jades will bound, curvet and
shew more tricks, then a horse well mettled for the rode or cart....
The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... and saw issuing from the brazen gates a hundred armed knights, bearing blood-red
streamers in their hands, and riding on as many coal-blackcoursers; then came...
Hymn for those who Fast
... Till by those fierycoursers drawn The swift car bore him through the air, Lest
earth's defiling touch should mar The holiness it might not share, Or some...
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... religion at Compostella, where, perhaps, God and His will are less known and respected
than at Pekin or amid the wildernesses where graze thecoursers of the...
Philippians ii. 8-May
... drives by alone towards the goal, and the end of the course, and amid the applause
and clamor which rises on all sides to heaven, withcoursers winged as it...
Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... affirmeth; for it is written, "he sitteth at the right hand of God." He hath the
reins of Providence gathered in his hands; the fleetcoursers of Time are...
Marvellous Increase of the Church
... south? Who is he that can rein thecoursers of the wind, and forbid them
to drag the chariots of darkness along to the west? The...
Who Can Tell?
... The chariot wheels of God's justice have axles which are hot with speed,
the blackcoursers are covered with foam as on they drive....
The True Christian's Blessedness
... circus might with much cleverness and art, with glowing wheels, avoid each other;
but God, with skill infinitely consummate, guides the fierycoursers of man's...
The Sin of Unbelief
... on the rainbow to heaven. See how his mightycoursers make the sky rattle
while he drives them up heaven's hill. A train girt in...
Thesaurus
Coursers (3 Occurrences)...Coursers (3 Occurrences).
... Esther 8:14 The couriers mounted on
coursers and horses
of blood went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment.
...Courses (28 Occurrences)
Reared (22 Occurrences)
... 8:10 And he wrote in the name of king Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring,
and sent letters by couriers on horseback riding oncoursers, horses of...
Mounted (32 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Esther 8:14 The couriers mounted oncoursers and horses of blood
went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment....
Breeding (3 Occurrences)
... 8:10 And he wrote in the name of king Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring,
and sent letters by couriers on horseback riding oncoursers, horses of...
Couriers (16 Occurrences)
... 8:10 And he wrote in the name of king Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's ring,
and sent letters by couriers on horseback riding oncoursers, horses of...
Superintendents (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:28 And the barley, and the straw for the horses andcoursers, they brought
to the place where the superintendents were, every man according to his...
Course (87 Occurrences)
Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Esther 8:14 The couriers mounted oncoursers and horses of blood went
out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment....
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
