In "The Holy Angels Compared to Horses," Benjamin Keach explores the metaphoric relationship between angels and horses, emphasizing their strength, courage, usefulness, and the roles they play in God's providential workings. He presents several key points, including the mighty nature of angels, which mirrors the strength of horses as described in Job 39:19-24, thus highlighting their fearless disposition in spiritual warfare. Keach also connects the colors of the horses in Zechariah 1:8 symbolically to various divine functions: red signifies persecution, speckled indicates a blended state of judgment and mercy, while white represents peace and hope for the saints. The significance of this metaphor is anchored in its ability to convey the power and utility of angels in God's plan, illustrating their roles as ministers for believers as they journey towards eternal life.
Key Quotes
“A Horse is a strong and very courageous and fearless creature which God himself elegantly setteth forth.”
“Angels are mighty in strength... They are courageous and void of fear.”
“The Horse is a very useful creature... Angels are exceedingly useful.”
“Red signifies the sufferings of the church... Speckled shows a mixed state or dispensation of God's judgments mixed with mercy.”
What does the Bible say about angels?
The Bible describes angels as mighty beings, often compared to strong horses, depicted in various passages as fearless and powerful servants of God.
Additionally, angels are instrumental in carrying out God's will on earth, akin to how horses bear burdens and perform service. They support and carry the saints as they journey through life, exemplifying their usefulness in God's providence (2 Kings 2:11-12). Thus, the comparison to horses highlights their strength, utility, and divine mission in the world.
Why is understanding angels important for Christians?
Understanding angels is crucial for Christians as they represent God's strength and service, reminding believers of divine protection and guidance.
Furthermore, the diverse imagery of angels—such as horses of different colors—reflects the multifaceted ways in which God interacts with the world through them, whether in judgment or mercy. Recognizing this helps Christians appreciate the full scope of God's providential care, instilling confidence in His sovereignty over life's circumstances and the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face.
How do we know angels are powerful according to the Bible?
Angels are considered powerful because the Bible describes them as God's mighty ones, capable of feats beyond human capability.
Moreover, the comparison of angels to horses—known for their bravery and endurance—further cements the belief in their extraordinary power. They are described as unafraid and ready to serve God in any circumstance, reinforcing the Christian understanding that these heavenly beings are both fearsome and protective, acting under God's command to fulfill His will.
What do the colors of angels symbolically represent?
The colors of angels, such as red, speckled, and white, symbolize their various roles in God's providence, reflecting judgment, mercy, and peace.
White, contrasting with red, symbolizes peace and prosperity, a hope for believers following tumultuous times. This triadic representation underscores how angels are engaged in God's providential plan, showing that they operate in varied capacities—from enacting justice to delivering comfort—ultimately working towards the restoration and peace of God's creation.
THE HOLY ANGELS COMPARED TO HORSES
"And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee open his eyes: and the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw; and behold, the mountains were full of Horses and chariots of fire, round about Elisha," 2Ki 6:17.
"I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red Horse, and he stood among the myrtle-trees that were in the bottom, and behind him were three red Horses, speckled, and white" Ec 1:8.
BY these Horses all expositors understand the holy Angels of God are intended. They are compared to Horses and chariots of fire, also to Horses of divers colours. These things seem very dark and mysterious.
I. We shall briefly, however, hint a few things why they may be compared to Horses.
II. Why to Horses and chariots of fire.
III. Why to red, speckled, and white Horses.
METAPHOR
I. A Horse is a strong and very courageous and fearless creature; which God himself elegantly setteth forth. "Hast thou given the Horse his strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. He rejoiceth in his strength. He goeth on to meet the armed man. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from, the sword," &c. Job 39:19; 24.
PARALLEL
I. Angels are mighty in strength. One of them, saith an eminent writer, is stronger than all the world. They are called mighty Angels, or God's mighty ones, Angels of his strength. They are courageous, and void of fear; their necks may be said to be clothed with thunder! they turn their backs for none. They fear not the glittering spear, nor the shield. Who is able to engage or encounter with one of the glorious Seraphims, or Cherubims? Are any of the sons of the mighty a match for him? What was Alexander, or Julius Cæsar, or all the mighty champions that ever were, to the Angels of heaven?
METAPHOR
II. The Horse is a very useful creature, useful to carry burdens, and draw the chariots of princes; useful to ride on, useful for war, &c.
PARALLEL
II. Angels are exceedingly useful. See Oxen. They bear up the saints; they help, support, and carry them along in their journey to their everlasting home; they carry their souls into Abraham's bosom: "The beggar died, and was carried by the Angels," &c. The chariots and Horses of fire, that parted the two worthies, those princes of the prophets, and carried one of them to heaven were the blessed Angels of God, 2Ki 2:11-12.
II. They are compared to Horses and chariots of fire, to show how fierce, agile, and swift they are in their motion, and how destructive and amazing to their enemies.
III. They are set out by red, speckled, and white Horses, to note the different work and office they are set about, whilst they are employed in the workings of providence, governing the world.
1. Red, signifies the sufferings of the church, together with the blood and slaughter, or dreadful judgments, that Jesus Christ hath to execute on the world by the ministration of Angels, or a severe dispensation.
2. Speckled, shows a mixed state or dispensation of God's judgments mixed with mercy.
3. White, notes peace and prosperity to the saints, and the whole world, which will be produced by the Providence of God, after the bloody and mixed state of the Church is gone.
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