He-asses, or male donkeys, hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, serving as symbols of service, humility, and at times, wealth. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, he-asses were valuable assets, used for transportation, agriculture, and trade. Their presence in the biblical text underscores their importance in daily life and spiritual symbolism.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Genesis 22:3 · In the account of Abraham's test of faith, he-asses are mentioned as part of the preparations for the journey to Moriah. "So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac." Here, the he-ass is a means of transport, facilitating Abraham's obedience to God's command.

2. Judges 5:10 · He-asses are associated with status and authority. "You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder the words." This verse from the Song of Deborah highlights those who ride on white donkeys, indicating a position of leadership or prominence.

3. 1 Samuel 9:3 · The search for lost he-asses leads Saul to Samuel, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king. "One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.'" This narrative illustrates how God can use ordinary circumstances, such as the loss of he-asses, to fulfill His divine purposes.

4. Job 1:3 · He-asses are listed among Job's wealth, indicating prosperity. "He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 donkeys, and he had a large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East." The inclusion of he-asses in this inventory underscores their economic value.

5. Zechariah 9:9 · The prophecy of the Messiah riding on a donkey, fulfilled in the New Testament, emphasizes humility. "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This imagery contrasts the expected royal grandeur with the humble arrival of the King.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, he-asses were preferred for their endurance and ability to navigate difficult terrain. They were often used by farmers, traders, and travelers. The biblical portrayal of he-asses reflects their integral role in the economy and daily life of the time.

Spiritual Lessons

The use of he-asses in Scripture often conveys deeper spiritual truths. They serve as reminders of humility, service, and God's providence. The choice of a donkey for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5) is a profound statement of the nature of His kingdom—one marked by peace and humility rather than earthly power and might.

In summary, he-asses in the Bible are more than mere animals; they are woven into the fabric of God's redemptive account, illustrating themes of obedience, humility, and divine orchestration in the lives of His people.He-asses (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 12:16
And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.
(ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT RSV)

He-asses (1 Occurrence)
He-asses. He-ass, He-asses. Heat . Multi-Version Concordance
He-asses (1 Occurrence). Genesis 12:16 And he dealt well ...
/h/he-asses.htm - 6k

Oxen (176 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and heasses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. ...
/o/oxen.htm - 38k

Maid-servants (25 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and ...
/m/maid-servants.htm - 14k

Men-servants (22 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and ...
/m/men-servants.htm - 13k

Maidservants (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and heasses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. ...
/m/maidservants.htm - 15k

Menservants (19 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and heasses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. ...
/m/menservants.htm - 12k

Bondwomen (10 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Genesis 12:16 And he treated Abram well on her account; and he had sheep,
and oxen, and he-asses, and bondmen, and bondwomen, and she-asses, and camels. ...
/b/bondwomen.htm - 9k

Asses (68 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and heasses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. ...
/a/asses.htm - 29k

She-asses (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and ...
/s/she-asses.htm - 8k

Entreated (56 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen,
and heasses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. ...
/e/entreated.htm - 22k

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