Topical Bible: Camel: Uses of for Carrying Burdens

◄ Camel: Uses of for Carrying Burdens ►

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The camel, a large, even-toed ungulate, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a beast of burden, particularly in the context of trade and travel across the arid regions of the Near East. Its ability to carry heavy loads over long distances made it an invaluable asset in ancient times, especially for the nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples of the biblical world.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:10 · In the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, camels are prominently featured. "Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all kinds of goods from his master in hand. So he set out and journeyed to Aram Naharaim, to Nahor’s city." . This passage highlights the camel's role in transporting goods and people over long distances, underscoring its importance in facilitating trade and communication.

2. Genesis 37:25 · The account of Joseph being sold by his brothers includes a caravan of Ishmaelites, who are described as using camels to carry their merchandise. "As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt." . This illustrates the camel's role in the spice trade, a critical economic activity in the ancient Near East.

3. 1 Kings 10:2 · The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon is another instance where camels are mentioned as carriers of wealth. "She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones." . This passage reflects the camel's use in transporting luxury goods, signifying wealth and status.

4. Isaiah 60:6 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future time when camels will bring wealth to Jerusalem. "Caravans of camels will cover your land—young camels of Midian and Ephah—all those from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD." . This prophetic vision emphasizes the camel's continued role in commerce and its symbolic association with prosperity and divine blessing.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, camels were indispensable for their ability to traverse harsh desert landscapes, carrying heavy loads of goods, water, and provisions. Their physiological adaptations, such as the ability to go without water for extended periods and their capacity to carry loads up to several hundred pounds, made them superior to other animals like donkeys and horses for long-distance travel.

Camels were integral to the caravan trade routes that connected various regions, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. These routes were vital for the economic and social interactions between different civilizations, including those mentioned in the Bible.

Symbolic Significance:

In addition to their practical uses, camels also held symbolic significance in biblical literature. They often represented wealth, abundance, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The presence of camels in a narrative could indicate the prosperity of an individual or nation, as well as the divine favor bestowed upon them.

Overall, the camel's role as a carrier of burdens in the Bible reflects its essential function in the economic and social life of the ancient world, serving as a bridge between distant lands and peoples.

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Genesis 24:10
And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.
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Genesis 37:25
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
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1 Kings 10:2
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
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2 Kings 8:9
So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
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1 Chronicles 12:40
Moreover they that were near them, even to Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
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Isaiah 30:6
The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from where come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches on the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures on the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.
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Library

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... Son of man, or of the prophet who was girded with a garment of camel's hair, or ... For
while we are ready to shake hands with any one who uses the same language ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... They cannot be earlier than 476, because the author is acquainted with the works
of Proclus (411-485) and uses them; also he refers to the practice of singing ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... No, no, a man, a woman, that is blessed with a broken heart, is so far off from
getting by that esteem with the world, that they are but burdens and trouble ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm