Topical Bible: Mule in War

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the mule was a significant animal, particularly in the context of war and royal activities. The mule, a hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, was valued for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, making it an ideal animal for traversing the rugged terrains of ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Royal and Military Use

Mules were often associated with royalty and the military elite. In 2 Samuel 18:9, we find a notable mention of a mule in the context of war. During the battle in the forest of Ephraim, Absalom, the son of King David, is described as riding a mule. The text states: "Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, and he was left hanging in midair." (2 Samuel 18:9). This incident highlights the use of mules by those of high status, even in the midst of battle.

Symbol of Authority

The mule also served as a symbol of authority and royal privilege. In 1 Kings 1:33, King David instructs Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada to place Solomon, his son, on his own mule and lead him to Gihon. The passage reads: "The king said to them, 'Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son mount my own mule, and take him down to Gihon.'" (1 Kings 1:33). This act was a public declaration of Solomon's succession to the throne, signifying the transfer of royal authority.

Practical Considerations

The choice of mules over horses in certain contexts may have been due to practical considerations. Mules are known for their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances without tiring easily, which would have been advantageous in military campaigns. Their sure-footedness made them particularly useful in the hilly and uneven terrains of the region, where horses might struggle.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, mules were highly prized. They were often imported from regions known for breeding these animals, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. The presence of mules in the biblical narrative underscores their importance in the socio-political and military spheres of ancient Israel.

Conclusion

The use of mules in war and royal activities in the Bible reflects their valued status in ancient society. Their association with royalty, as seen in the accounts of Absalom and Solomon, highlights their role as symbols of authority and power. The practical advantages of mules in military contexts further demonstrate their significance in the biblical world.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 14:15
And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... and in a decent manner, and every one keeps his own rank, as if they were going
to war. ... for three days, so that a footman hath no great need of a mule to carry ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

The Revolt of Babylon.
... warfare."Modern warfare."Taunt of the Babylonians."Fabricating prodigies."The mule
of Zopyrus ... that part of the population which would be useless in war. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter vii the revolt of.htm

The History of David
... After this David had much war and trouble and anger, insomuch that on a time Amnon ...
And as Absalom fled upon his mule he came under an oak, and his hair flew ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... I wished to purchase a mule, according to my instructions, but though I offered
30 pounds ... by taking Madrid, which is at his mercy, put an end to the war at once ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 20.htm

Excursus on the Heresies Condemned in Canon I.
... He even ventured to adduce created analogies, such as the mule, midway between the
horse and ... "Dass eine wahrhaft menschliche Seele in Jesu war, versteht sich ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the heresies condemned.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... "Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule": these are thick ... That same wave merely ripples
at the side of a man-of-war, and it does not stir in the least degree. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... "You have been a man of war, and have ... So at David's command they brought out the
mule on which no one but the king was allowed to ride; and they placed Solomon ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

A Little Maid of Israel.
... There was war almost all the time between Israel and Syria. ... But Naaman begged
of Elisha two mule-loads of earth to take to his own country. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxix a little maid.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... The sons of the judges used them, and David's mule was used at the coronation of
Solomon ... for the ass was a symbol of peace as the horse was of war (Job 39:19-25 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

The First Crusade (Ad 1095-1099)
... to hear him; they even gathered up the hairs which fell from the mule on which ... the
pope, in stirring words, set forth the reasons for the holy war, and invited ...
/.../chapter ix the first crusade.htm