Topical Encyclopedia Bulls hold significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible, appearing in various contexts that reflect their role in ancient Near Eastern culture and religious practices. In the Scriptures, bulls are often associated with strength, sacrifice, and idolatry, serving as both literal and metaphorical elements in the biblical narrative.Symbol of Strength and Power Bulls are frequently depicted as symbols of strength and power in the Bible. This imagery is rooted in the physical attributes of bulls, which are known for their might and vigor. In Psalm 22:12, the psalmist laments, "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me." Here, the bulls of Bashan are emblematic of formidable adversaries, highlighting the psalmist's sense of being overwhelmed by powerful foes. Sacrificial Role Bulls play a crucial role in the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. They are often used as offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and devotion. In Leviticus 1:3, the instructions for burnt offerings specify, "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male; he must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD." The requirement for an unblemished bull underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings made to God. The Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, also involves the sacrifice of a bull. Aaron, the high priest, is instructed to offer a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household, signifying the need for purification before approaching God on behalf of the people. Idolatry and Apostasy Bulls are also associated with idolatry and apostasy in the biblical narrative. The most notable instance is the golden calf incident in Exodus 32, where the Israelites, in Moses' absence, fashion a calf from gold and worship it, declaring, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4). This act of idolatry provokes God's wrath and serves as a cautionary tale against turning away from true worship. Similarly, in 1 Kings 12:28-30, Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, sets up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading the people into sin by encouraging the worship of these idols. This act is condemned as a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh. Prophetic Imagery In prophetic literature, bulls are sometimes used metaphorically to convey messages of judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 34:7, the prophet speaks of a time of divine retribution, stating, "And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the mighty bulls. Their land will be soaked with blood, and their dust will be soaked with fat." This imagery underscores the totality of God's judgment against the nations. Conversely, in Ezekiel 39:18, the imagery of bulls is used in a context of feasting and victory: "You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all of them fattened animals from Bashan." Here, the consumption of bulls symbolizes the triumph of God's people over their enemies. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, bulls serve as powerful symbols and instruments within the religious and cultural framework of ancient Israel. Whether as offerings in the sacrificial system, representations of idolatry, or metaphors in prophetic literature, bulls are integral to understanding the biblical narrative and its theological themes. ATS Bible Dictionary BullsOf Bashan, pasturing in a fertile region and with but few keepers, became strong and fierce, and might "compass about" and intruder, and trample him under foot. They are symbols of powerful, fierce, and numerous foes, Psalm 22:12 68:30 Isaiah 34:7. See OX. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BULLS, JEROBOAM'SSee CALF (GOLDEN). Greek 5022. tauros -- a bull ... a bull, an ox. Word Origin a prim. word Definition a bull NASB Word Usage bulls (2), oxen (2). bull, ox. Apparently a primary word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5022.htm - 6k 2768. keras -- a horn 1793. entugchano -- to chance upon, by impl. confer with, by ext. ... 1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication Strong's Hebrew 5056. naggach -- given to goring (used of bulls)... 5055, 5056. naggach. 5057 . given to goring (used of bulls). Transliteration: naggach Phonetic Spelling: (nag-gawkh') Short Definition: goring. ... /hebrew/5056.htm - 6k 6499. par -- young bull, steer 1241. baqar -- cattle, herd, an ox 47. abbir -- mighty, valiant 8450. tor -- a bullock 7794. shor -- a head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.) 1121. ben -- son Library The Pharisees are the Bulls: the Roaring Lion is Herod or the ... The Papal Bulls against the Jansenists, 1653 and 1713. Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ... How Pekah Died by the Treachery of Hoshea who was a Little after ... Fifth Sunday in Lent The Second Part. That the Ancient Sacrifice Should be Made Void, and a New one ... Building a Great Temple The Emperor Preparing an Expedition against the Persians, Arrives ... Be it So; Let it be Conceded that These Most Unfortunate Cattle ... Thesaurus Bulls (68 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BULLS, JEROBOAM'S. See CALF (GOLDEN). Multi-Version Concordance Bulls (68 Occurrences). Acts 14 ... /b/bulls.htm - 27k Fourteen (26 Occurrences) Specified (9 Occurrences) Defect (62 Occurrences) Rams (81 Occurrences) Golden (86 Occurrences) Blemish (71 Occurrences) Lambs (107 Occurrences) Calf (39 Occurrences) Shushan (19 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the blood of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bulls (68 Occurrences)Acts 14:13 Hebrews 9:13 Hebrews 10:4 Genesis 32:15 Exodus 24:5 Leviticus 22:19 Numbers 7:87 Numbers 7:88 Numbers 8:12 Numbers 23:1 Numbers 23:29 Numbers 28:11 Numbers 28:19 Numbers 28:27 Numbers 29:13 Numbers 29:14 Numbers 29:17 Numbers 29:18 Numbers 29:20 Numbers 29:21 Numbers 29:23 Numbers 29:24 Numbers 29:26 Numbers 29:27 Numbers 29:29 Numbers 29:30 Numbers 29:32 Numbers 29:33 1 Samuel 1:24 1 Kings 7:25 1 Kings 7:29 1 Kings 7:44 1 Kings 18:23 1 Kings 18:25 2 Kings 16:17 1 Chronicles 15:26 1 Chronicles 29:21 2 Chronicles 4:3 2 Chronicles 4:4 2 Chronicles 4:15 2 Chronicles 29:21 2 Chronicles 29:22 2 Chronicles 29:32 2 Chronicles 29:33 2 Chronicles 30:24 2 Chronicles 35:7 2 Chronicles 35:9 2 Chronicles 35:12 Ezra 6:9 Ezra 6:17 Ezra 7:17 Ezra 8:35 Job 21:10 Job 42:8 Psalms 22:12 Psalms 50:13 Psalms 51:19 Psalms 66:15 Psalms 68:30 Isaiah 1:11 Isaiah 34:7 Jeremiah 50:11 Jeremiah 50:27 Jeremiah 52:20 Ezekiel 39:18 Ezekiel 45:23 Hosea 12:11 Hosea 14:2 Subtopics Related Terms |