The term "lowings" refers to the sounds made by cattle, particularly cows, as they vocalize. In the context of the Bible, lowing is often associated with the presence and movement of livestock, which played a significant role in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The sound of lowing cattle is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting its importance in both daily life and specific events.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 6:12 : "And the cows went straight up the road to Beth-shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing as they went; they did not turn to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed them to the border of Beth-shemesh." This passage describes the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israelite territory after being captured by the Philistines. The lowing of the cows pulling the cart carrying the Ark is significant as it underscores the divine guidance and miraculous nature of the event. Despite being untrained and separated from their calves, the cows proceed directly to Beth-shemesh, indicating God's intervention.

2. Job 6:5 : "Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?" Here, Job uses the imagery of lowing oxen to illustrate a point about contentment and complaint. Just as an ox does not low when it has sufficient fodder, Job argues that he would not lament if he were not in distress. The lowing of cattle is thus used metaphorically to convey a deeper understanding of human emotion and response to circumstances.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, cattle were vital to the economy and daily life. They provided milk, meat, leather, and were used for plowing fields and transportation. The sound of lowing cattle would have been a familiar and comforting presence in the rural landscape, signifying prosperity and sustenance. The lowing of cattle could also indicate distress or a need, such as hunger or separation from their young, which would have been easily recognized by those who tended them.

Theological Significance:

The mention of lowing in the Bible often carries a deeper theological message. In 1 Samuel 6, the lowing of the cows is a testament to God's sovereignty and ability to direct His creation according to His will. It serves as a reminder of God's power to orchestrate events for His purposes, even using the natural instincts of animals to fulfill His plans.

In Job 6, the reference to lowing highlights the natural order and the appropriateness of responses to one's circumstances. It suggests that just as animals express their needs through vocalization, humans too have a natural inclination to express their distress, which is understood and acknowledged by God.

Overall, the concept of lowing in the Bible is rich with meaning, reflecting both the practical aspects of ancient life and the spiritual truths that transcend time.

The First Discovery of America
... A fair land they found it, well wooded, with good pasturage; so that they had already
imported cows, and a bull whose lowings terrified the Esquimaux. ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/the first discovery of america.htm

The First Discovery of America.
... A fair land they found it, well wooded, with good pasturage; so that they had already
imported cows, and a bull whose lowings terrified the Esquimaux. ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iii the first discovery.htm

The People's Christ
... Born in a stable"cradled in a manger where the horned oxen fed"his only bed was
their fodder, and his slumbers were often broken by their lowings. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
... Nor is Osiris seen In Memphian grove or green, Trampling the unshow'r'd grass with
lowings loud: Nor can he be at rest Within his sacred chest, Naught but ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/on the morning of christs.htm

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
... Nor is [46]Osiris seen. In Memphian grove or green,. Trampling the unshower'd [85]
grass with lowings loud. Nor can he be at rest. Within his sacred chest,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/lxxxi on the morning of.htm

Lowings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lowings (1 Occurrence). Judges 5:16 Why hast thou
abode between the boundaries, To hear lowings of herds? ...
/l/lowings.htm - 6k

Lowland (34 Occurrences)

/l/lowland.htm - 19k

Lowing (3 Occurrences)

/l/lowing.htm - 7k

Boundaries (19 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Judges 5:16 Why hast thou abode between the boundaries, To hear lowings
of herds? For the divisions of Reuben, Great 'are' the searchings of heart! ...
/b/boundaries.htm - 12k

Herds (72 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Judges 5:16 Why hast thou abode between the boundaries, To hear lowings
of herds? For the divisions of Reuben, Great 'are' the searchings of heart! ...
/h/herds.htm - 29k

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