THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The eighteenth stanza refers to 'bridles.' When we stray into unrighteousness after achieving maturity in our faith, it becomes necessary for us to be restrained, necessitating that our unruly and impulsive actions be directed by the guidance found in Scripture. In all my experience, I have not encountered this term in any other context within the Hebrew Scriptures, other than in the book of Hebrews. The only other instance I know of is in the apocryphal text referred to by the Greeks as λεπτή, or the smaller book of Genesis. In that account, relating to the construction of the tower, it symbolizes the ground where competitors and athletes contend, testing the speed of the swift.
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The Psalmist states, "With reins and bridles thou shalt gird up their jaws, they that come not near thee" (Psalms 31:9). Additionally, the Apostle reminds us, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it" (1 Cor. 9:24).