Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, domestic beasts refer to animals that have been tamed and are kept by humans for various purposes, such as labor, companionship, or food. The Bible provides numerous references to domestic animals, highlighting their significance in the daily lives of the people in biblical times.Cattle and Oxen Cattle, including oxen, are frequently mentioned in the Bible as essential to agricultural life. They were used for plowing fields, threshing grain, and as a source of milk and meat. In Genesis 13:2, we read about Abram's wealth, which included "livestock, silver, and gold." The importance of oxen is further emphasized in Proverbs 14:4: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox." Sheep and Goats Sheep and goats were vital for their wool, milk, and meat. They are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent God's people. Psalm 23:1 famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," illustrating the pastoral care of God for His people. In Matthew 25:32-33, Jesus uses the imagery of sheep and goats to describe the final judgment, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. Donkeys Donkeys were common beasts of burden in biblical times, valued for their strength and endurance. They are mentioned in various narratives, such as the account of Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22:21-33, where the donkey sees the angel of the LORD and speaks to Balaam. Donkeys also played a role in the life of Jesus, as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, as recorded in Matthew 21:5. Camels Camels were essential for long-distance travel and trade, especially in desert regions. They are mentioned in the account of Rebekah in Genesis 24:10-64, where Abraham's servant takes ten camels to find a wife for Isaac. Camels were also part of the wealth of Job, as described in Job 1:3, indicating their value and importance. Horses Horses are less frequently mentioned as domestic animals in the Bible, often associated with warfare and chariots. In Exodus 14:9, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites with "all Pharaoh's horses and chariots." Horses symbolize strength and power, as seen in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Poultry While not as prominently featured, poultry such as chickens are implied in the Bible. Jesus uses the imagery of a hen gathering her chicks in Matthew 23:37 to express His desire to protect Jerusalem: "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings." Swine Swine, or pigs, are mentioned in the context of being unclean animals according to Jewish dietary laws. In Leviticus 11:7, the pig is described as unclean because it "has a split hoof completely divided, but does not chew the cud." The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:15-16 illustrates the degradation of the son by describing his work feeding pigs, highlighting the animal's association with uncleanness. These domestic beasts played crucial roles in the economic, social, and religious life of biblical communities, serving as symbols and practical resources in the narratives and teachings of the Bible. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 36:6And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 45:17 Library Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly Gunsaulus -- the Bible Vs. Infidelity On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men. On the Work of the Sixth Day (One Article) Epistle i. To Donatus. The General Deliverance Deuteronomy The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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