The dromedary, also known as the Arabian camel, is a single-humped camel species that is well-adapted to desert life. In biblical times, dromedaries were valued for their endurance and ability to travel long distances across arid regions, making them an essential part of trade and transportation in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 60:6 : "Caravans of camels will cover your land—young camels of Midian and Ephah—all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD."
· This verse highlights the use of dromedaries in trade caravans, emphasizing their role in the transportation of valuable goods such as gold and frankincense. The mention of regions like Midian and Sheba indicates the widespread use of dromedaries across different territories.

2. Jeremiah 2:23 : "How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel running here and there."
· Here, the dromedary is used metaphorically to describe the erratic and unfaithful behavior of the people of Israel. The imagery of a swift young she-camel conveys a sense of restlessness and lack of direction.

3. 1 Kings 10:2 : "She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about all that was on her mind."
· The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is marked by a grand caravan of camels, underscoring the dromedary's role in royal and diplomatic missions. The camels' burden of spices, gold, and precious stones signifies their capacity to carry wealth and luxury items.

4. Genesis 24:64 : "And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from her camel."
· This passage illustrates the use of dromedaries for personal travel. Rebekah's journey to meet Isaac is facilitated by camels, highlighting their importance in daily life and significant life events.

5. Judges 7:12 : "Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the people of the East lay along the valley as numerous as locusts, and their camels were without number, as the sand on the seashore."
· The vast number of camels among the Midianites and their allies demonstrates the strategic military advantage provided by dromedaries. Their ability to traverse difficult terrain made them valuable assets in warfare.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, dromedaries were indispensable for their ability to endure harsh desert conditions. They were used extensively in trade, travel, and warfare, serving as a symbol of wealth and power. The biblical references to dromedaries often highlight their role in facilitating commerce and communication between distant regions, as well as their metaphorical use to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons.1 Kings 4:28
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they to the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 8:10
And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
Nave's Topical Index

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
... a wild ass, or as a swift dromedary traversing her ... not therefore understand any promises
in the scriptures so, as ... to him, not only from the general nature of ...
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Dromedary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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