Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Frankie) #1

locomotion or agriculture, if we except (Isaiah 28:28) The animated description of the horse in (Job
39:19-25) applies solely to the war-horse. The Hebrews in the patriarchal age, as a pastoral race,
did not stand in need of the services Of the horse, and for a long period after their settlement in
Canaan they dispensed with it, partly in consequence of the hilly nature of the country, which only
admitted of the use of chariots in certain localities, (Judges 1:19) and partly in consequence to the
prohibition in (17:16) which would be held to apply at all periods. David first established a force
of cavalry and chariots, (2 Samuel 8:4) but the great supply of horses was subsequently effected
by Solomon through his connection with Egypt. (1 Kings 4:26) Solomon also established a very
active trade in horses, which were brought by dealers out of Egypt and resold, at a profit, to the
Hittites. With regard to the trappings and management of the horse we have little information. The
bridle was placed over the horse’s nose, (Isaiah 30:28) and a bit or curb is also mentioned. (2 Kings
19:28; Psalms 32:9; Proverbs 26:3; Isaiah 37:29) In the Authorized Version it is incorrectly given
“bridle,” with the exception of (Psalms 32:1) ... Saddles were not used until a late period. The horses
were not shod, and therefore hoofs are hard “as flint,” (Isaiah 5:28) were regarded as a great merit.
The chariot-horses were covered with embroidered trappings (Ezekiel 27:20) Horses and chariots
were used also in idolatrous processions, as noticed in regard to the sun. (2 Kings 23:11)
Horseleech
Heb. ’alukah, occurs once only, viz. (Proverbs 30:16) There is little doubt that ’alukah denotes
some species of leech, or rather is the generic term for any blood-sucking annelid.
Hosah
a Merarite Levite, chosen by David to be one of the first doorkeepers to the ark after its arrival
in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 16:38) (B.C. 1014.)
(refuge), a city of Asher, (Joshua 19:29) The next landmark on the boundary to Tyre.
Hosanna
(save now). “Save, we pray!” the cry of the multitudes as they thronged in our Lord’s triumphal
procession into Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:9,15; Mark 11:9,10; John 12:13) The Psalm from which
it was taken, the 118th, was one with which they were familiar from being accustomed to recite
the 25th and 26th verses at the feast of tabernacles, forming a part of the great hallel. Ps. 113-118.
Hosea
(salvation), son of Beeri, and first of the minor prophets. Probably the life, or rather the prophetic
career, of Hosea extended from B.C. 784 to 723, a period of fifty-nine years. The prophecies of
Hosea were delivered in the kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam II was on the throne, and Israel was at
the height of its earthly splendor. Nothing is known of the prophet’s life excepting what may be
gained from his book.
Hosea, Prophecies Of
This book consists of fourteen chapters. It is easy to recognize two great divisions in the book:
(1) ch. 1 to 3; (2) ch. 4 to end. The subdivision of these several parts is a work of greater difficulty—
•The first division should probably be subdivided into three separate poems, each originating in a
distinct aim, and each after its own fashion attempting to express the idolatry of Israel by imagery
borrowed from the matrimonial relation.
•Attempts have been made to subdivide the second part of the book. These divisions are made
either according to reigns of contemporary kings or according to the subject-matter of the poem.
The prophecies were probably collected by Hosea himself toward the end of his career. Of his
style Eichhorn says, “His discourse is like a garland woven of a multiplicity of flowers; images

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