Sheep hold significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. They are often used to represent God's people, as seen in Psalm 100:3: "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." Sheep are also central to the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament, with lambs being offered as sacrifices for atonement (Exodus 12:5). The imagery of sheep is further enriched by the portrayal of Jesus Christ as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), signifying His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Shepherds, who care for and guide sheep, are frequently used as metaphors for leaders, including God Himself, as in Psalm 23:1: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Camels

Camels are mentioned in the Bible primarily as beasts of burden and symbols of wealth. They are first introduced in the context of the patriarchs, with Abraham's servant using camels to transport goods and gifts when seeking a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:10). Camels are also noted for their endurance and ability to travel long distances across deserts, making them valuable assets in trade and commerce. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the camel in a hyperbolic teaching to illustrate the difficulty for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). This imagery underscores the challenges of material wealth in spiritual pursuits.

Oxen

Oxen are frequently mentioned in the Bible as essential animals for agriculture and labor. They are used for plowing fields and threshing grain, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:4: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." This command reflects the principle of fair treatment and provision for laborers, a theme echoed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:9). Oxen are also part of the sacrificial system, with their offerings being described in Leviticus 1:3. The strength and utility of oxen make them a symbol of productivity and diligence. In prophetic literature, oxen are sometimes used metaphorically to describe nations or leaders, as in Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim with faces like an ox (Ezekiel 1:10).

Donkeys

Donkeys are depicted in the Bible as humble and reliable animals used for transportation and carrying loads. They are often associated with peace, in contrast to horses, which are linked to war. This symbolism is poignantly illustrated in the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Donkeys are also involved in various narratives, such as Balaam's donkey, which speaks to him after seeing an angel of the LORD (Numbers 22:28-30). This account highlights God's sovereignty and ability to use all creation to fulfill His purposes.