Proverbs 21:31

31 The 1horse is prepared for the day of battle, But 2victory belongs to the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle
The horse is a warlike creature, and was much used formerly, as now, in war; these are prepared against the day of battle, to mount the cavalry with; and men are apt to put too great confidence in them: this is mentioned instead of all other military preparations and instruments of war; but safety [is] of the Lord;
a horse is a vain thing for safety, ( Psalms 33:17 ) ; victory is only of the Lord; salvation depends upon him; it is he that covers men's heads in the day of battle, and gives them victory over their enemies: or "salvation [is] of the Lord" F15; this is true of spiritual and eternal salvation, as well as of temporal salvation; it is of the Lord, Father, Son and Spirit; and so is the safety of the saints; and their final perseverance to eternal glory, which is owing to the love of God, covenant interest, security in Christ, the grace of the Spirit, and the power of God; see ( Hosea 14:3 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F15 (hewvth hwhyl) "a Domino autem (datur) salus". Tigurine version; "Domino est salvatio", Cocceius; "Jehovae est salus", Schultens; so Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 21:31 In-Context

29 A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the LORD .
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD .

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:17; Isaiah 31:1
  • 2. Psalms 3:8; Jeremiah 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:57
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