bridle Summary and Overview

Three Hebrew words are thus rendered in the Authorized Version. (1.) Heb. "mahsom'" signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by which the rider governs his horse (Ps.39:1). (2.) "Me'theg", rendered also "bit" in Ps. 32:9, which is its proper meaning. Found in 2 Kings 19:28, where the restraints of God's providence are metaphorically styled his "bridle" and "hook." God's placing a "bridle in the jaws of the people" (Isa. 30:28; 37:29) signifies his preventing the Assyrians from carrying out their purpose against Jerusalem. (3.) Another word, "re'sen", was employed to represent a halter or bridle-rein, as used Ps. 32:9; Isa. 30:28. In Job 30:11 the restraints of law and humanity are called a bridle.

BRIDLE . See Harness.

Isaiah 37:29, "I will put My hook in thy nose and My bridle in thy lips," is illustrated in the Assyrian monuments, which represent captives with bridles attached to rings inserted in their under lip, and held in the hand of the king; some of the captives with short beards, tasseled caps, long tunics, and hosen or boots (Daniel 3:21), seem in physiognomy Jews, or Israelites of the ten tribes. The king in one representation is thrusting out the captive's eye with a spear, as Zedekiah was treated by Nebuchadnezzar.