Topical Bible: The Camel used for Riding

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Topical Encyclopedia

The camel, a large, even-toed ungulate, is a significant animal in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of transportation and trade. Known for its ability to endure long journeys across arid landscapes, the camel was an essential asset in the ancient Near East, including the regions described in the Bible.

Biblical References

Camels are mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting their role in travel and commerce. In Genesis 24:10, Abraham's servant takes ten camels from his master's herd to travel to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac, illustrating the camel's use in long-distance travel: "Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking with him all sorts of choice gifts from his master. He set out and went to Aram-naharaim, to the city of Nahor."

In the account of Joseph, camels are associated with trade caravans. Genesis 37:25 describes a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to Egypt. This passage underscores the camel's role in the trade routes that connected various parts of the ancient world.

Cultural and Historical Context

Camels were domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula and were integral to the nomadic lifestyle of many tribes. Their ability to carry heavy loads and travel long distances without water made them invaluable for trade and communication across deserts. The dromedary, or one-humped camel, is the species most commonly associated with the regions mentioned in the Bible.

The camel's significance is further highlighted in the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. In 1 Kings 10:2, it is noted that she came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones. This account not only emphasizes the camel's role in royal and diplomatic missions but also its status as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Symbolism and Metaphor

In addition to their practical uses, camels also appear in biblical metaphors and teachings. Jesus uses the camel in a hyperbolic illustration to teach about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:24, He states, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This metaphor underscores the challenges of wealth and spiritual humility.

Conclusion

The camel, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of ancient peoples in utilizing the resources available to them. Its presence in the biblical narrative provides insight into the economic, cultural, and spiritual life of the times, reflecting the camel's enduring legacy as a symbol of endurance and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:61
And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode on the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk.
... 3. My son, said he, I used to farm a bit of ground ... Flesh half raw was our food, camel's
milk our drink ... after we saw in the dim distance two men riding on camels ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of malchus the.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... This crib was a hollowed-out stone trough lying on the ground and used for cattle ...
to a great age and he always took her on his journeys, riding on a camel. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Chapter xxiv
... eyes and saw Isaac, and she hurriedly dismounted from the camel. ... day when in the
Near East a woman riding meets a ... much larger than a veil and is used to wrap ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... ox was created for ploughing, the horse for riding, dogs for ... on camel's milk and
flesh: for the camel, to suit ... and no one will want riches to be used either in ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... it was a troop of men riding on camels ... the three kings, coming from their separate
homes, used generally to ... besides the crowd of servants and camel-drivers that ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... For you know that camel, [3359] and its strange burden, and ... officer, who had been
twice Consul, was riding into the ... 3308] In name, etc., ie, They used the name ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... 3. Now he that was wont to look scornfully upon the people of God, yea, that used
to scorn to show them a gentle cast of his countenance; now he admires and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
A Source Book for Ancient Church History. <. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and which, though it may hardly be deemed presentable in serious composition, I
shall use, as Bunyan himself (no mealy-mouthed writer) would have used it, had ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm