איוב, פרק ל״ט, פסוק כ״ה

Unlike wild animals, the war horse possesses a unique nature instilled by God, forming a close and mutual bond with humans on the battlefield. As the opening sounds of war ring out, marked by frequent and prolonged horn blasts, the animal responds with overwhelming enthusiasm. It lets out a cry of sheer joy and an uplifted spirit. Just as a person might sigh in times of sadness, the horse expresses its happiness and deep longing for the fight the moment it sees the conflict unfolding. This joy, according to [אלשיך], stems from the animal's unwavering confidence that its own camp will emerge victorious.

Beyond its eager spirit, the war horse is equipped with extraordinary senses that allow it to detect combat from a great distance. A literal view suggests the horse uses a physical sense of smell to catch the scent of the battle [אבן עזרא]. However, the primary approach among commentators is that the animal possesses a deep, intuitive awareness, sensing the enemy's approach from far away. This unique intuition acts as an early warning system for the soldiers. By simply observing the horse's movements, the troops realize that danger is near long before it becomes visible.

The animal also picks up on the distant, powerful commotion of the conflict. It senses the noise and trembling of the battlefield, keenly distinguishing the voices of the military commanders. It easily recognizes their specific orders, as well as the signals and calls directed at both their own troops and the opposing forces.