Topical Bible: Burial: An Ignominious, Compared to the Burial of an Ass

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In the biblical context, burial practices hold significant cultural and religious importance, often reflecting the honor or dishonor attributed to an individual. The concept of an ignominious burial, particularly when compared to the burial of an ass, is a powerful metaphor used in Scripture to convey disgrace and divine judgment.

The prophet Jeremiah provides a vivid depiction of such a burial in his pronouncement against King Jehoiakim of Judah. In Jeremiah 22:19 , it is declared, "He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem." This imagery is stark and deliberate, contrasting the expected dignified burial of a king with the ignoble disposal of a beast of burden. The burial of an ass, an animal considered unclean and of low status, symbolizes the ultimate dishonor and rejection by both God and society.

In ancient Israelite culture, a proper burial was a matter of great importance, often seen as a final act of respect and a means of ensuring peace in the afterlife. The denial of such rites was considered a severe punishment and a sign of divine disfavor. The ignominious burial of Jehoiakim serves as a prophetic warning and a reflection of his failures as a leader who did not adhere to the covenantal laws and expectations set by God.

The comparison to the burial of an ass underscores the severity of Jehoiakim's transgressions. In biblical literature, donkeys are often associated with humility and service, yet their burial is not given any ceremonial significance. By equating Jehoiakim's burial to that of an ass, the text emphasizes the king's fall from grace and the complete stripping away of his royal dignity.

This theme of ignominious burial is not isolated to Jehoiakim. Throughout the Scriptures, the denial of a proper burial is used as a metaphor for divine judgment. For instance, in 1 Kings 14:11 , the fate of Jeroboam's house is pronounced: "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air." Such imagery conveys the ultimate disgrace and serves as a stark warning against disobedience to God's commandments.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of an ignominious burial, particularly when likened to the burial of an ass, serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and societal rejection. It reflects the cultural and religious values of ancient Israel, where burial practices were deeply intertwined with notions of honor, legacy, and divine favor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 22:19
He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... He had, in spite of the entreaties of the priests, forced an entrance into the ancient
burial-place of Bel-Etana, and had beheld the body of the old hero ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm