Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he may multiply horses; because the LORD has said to you, “You shall not go back that way again.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. Horses. Josue and David rendered the captured horses useless, (Joshua 11:6. 2 Kennicott. 8:4,) and the judges rode on asses. Judges 10:4 and 12:14. Solomon began to keep some, and in his days in Egypt was noted for the traffic of horses; though, after Sesostris had intersected the country with canals, they were more neglected. Marsham. Canon. sæc. xiii. and xiv. God did not wish his people to engage in the tumults of war, nor would he permit their king to be puffed up with his own strength. Psalms 19:8 and 32:17. Philo says he would not have them to listen to any one who might promise to conduct them to a better country and thus teach them to lead a wandering life. Calmet.—He precludes also the attempt to conquer Egypt. Hebrew “he shall not make the people return to Egypt, in order that he may multiply horses,” by their buying them for him in that country, 3 Kennicott. 10:29.—Way. When the people proposed returning, God severely punished them. Numbers 14:5.