Topical Bible: Donkey: Domesticated: Herds of

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In biblical times, the donkey was a vital part of daily life and economy, serving as a primary means of transportation and labor. Domesticated donkeys were often kept in herds, reflecting their importance in agrarian and pastoral societies. The presence of donkey herds is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting their role in the wealth and livelihood of individuals and communities.

Old Testament References

The patriarchs and other significant biblical figures often possessed herds of donkeys, indicating their wealth and status. In Genesis 12:16, Pharaoh treated Abram well for Sarai's sake, and Abram acquired "sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels." This passage illustrates the donkey's value alongside other livestock and possessions.

Job, a man of great wealth and piety, is described as having substantial herds, including donkeys. Job 1:3 states, "He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys, and he had a large number of servants." The mention of female donkeys specifically suggests their role in breeding and expanding herds.

In 1 Samuel 8:16, when Samuel warns the Israelites about the potential consequences of appointing a king, he mentions that the king "will take your menservants and maidservants, your best young men and donkeys, and use them for his own work." This warning underscores the donkey's utility and the impact of losing them to royal service.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on herds of donkeys, the animal remains significant. Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as recorded in Matthew 21:2-7, fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and symbolizes peace and humility. This event, while not directly related to herds, reflects the continued presence and symbolic importance of donkeys in biblical narratives.

Cultural and Economic Significance

In ancient Israel, donkeys were essential for transportation, carrying goods, and agricultural work. Their ability to navigate difficult terrain made them invaluable in a region characterized by varied landscapes. The ownership of donkey herds was a sign of prosperity and capability, as they were crucial for trade and daily sustenance.

The biblical portrayal of donkeys, particularly in herds, emphasizes their integral role in the life and economy of the people. They were not only beasts of burden but also symbols of wealth and status, woven into the fabric of biblical history and society.

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Genesis 12:16
And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
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Genesis 24:35
And the LORD has blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he has given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
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Genesis 32:5
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in your sight.
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Genesis 34:28
They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,
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Numbers 31:34,45
And three score and one thousand asses,
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1 Chronicles 5:21
And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.
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Ezra 2:67
Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
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Nehemiah 7:69
Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
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Library

The Nile and Egypt
... are, like the plants, generally of African origin, and the ass of Egypt preserves
an original purity of form and a vigour to which the European donkey has long ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm