Jeremiah 8:16
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.
Jeremiah 8:16 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes a frightening and powerful image of destruction and chaos. The snorting of horses from Dan, a city bordering the northern territory of Israel, is a symbol of imminent invasion and devastation. The sound of the horses' neighing causes the entire land to tremble, emphasizing the magnitude of the impending calamity. The verse vividly depicts the swift and ruthless advance of the invading forces, who come to devour the land and all its inhabitants. The city and its people are helpless in the face of this overwhelming force, and their destruction seems inevitable. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the severe punishment that follows. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God to avoid the wrath described in this verse.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah vividly describes the impending devastation that will be brought upon the land by an invading army. The mention of Dan, a city in the northern region of Israel, emphasizes the extent of the destruction that will be caused by this powerful force. The snorting of the horses and the neighing of the strong ones symbolize the strength and ferocity of the enemy's cavalry, striking fear into the hearts of all who hear them. The trembling of the land at the sound of their approach serves as a clear warning of the devastation that is to come. Through this evocative imagery, Jeremiah conveys the idea of a relentless and merciless enemy that will leave nothing untouched as they conquer the city and consume everything in their path. The theological interpretation of this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the destruction that can follow when His people forsake His commandments.
Jeremiah 8:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones the whole land trembleth; for they are come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it; the city and those that dwell therein.
World English Bible
The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones the whole land trembles; for they have come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it; the city and those who dwell therein.
Douay-Rheims
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan, all the land was moved at the sound of the neighing of his warriors: and they came and devoured the land, and all that was in it: the city and its inhabitants.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The neying of his horses was heard from Dan, the whole lande trembled at the noyse of the neying of his strong horses: for they are come, and haue deuoured the land with all that is in it, the citie, and those that dwell therein.