Psalm 33:17

Psalm 33:17

Don't put your faith in your horse!     

Just as men today boast in their weaponry, so ancient leaders gazed with admiration at their most powerful tools. World leaders today take comfort from their nuclear arsenals or their military might, why they even have special occasions when some of it is paraded for the public to see how powerful and well-protected they are. Such is the arrogance and utter godlessness of man. In David’s time the most powerful emblem of military might was the horse, especially bred to be strong and intimidating and ready to trample down the enemy. The Lord often cautions against trusting in horses and chariots; in Proverbs 21:31 we read, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” 

And in Isaiah 31:1-3: -

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
    who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
    and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
    or seek help from the Lord.
2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster;
    he does not take back his words.
He will rise up against that wicked nation,
    against those who help evildoers.
3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God;
    their horses are flesh and not spirit.
When the Lord stretches out his hand,
    those who help will stumble,
    those who are helped will fall;
    all will perish together.

Modern military forces rely on tanks and ships and aircraft. Ancient armies relied on the horse. None of them can save us. David was so right, a horse cannot save you and neither can a nuclear warhead. Only those with God on their side will be fully protected and guarded against their enemies. 

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