Topical Encyclopedia The domestic donkey, a humble and enduring animal, holds a significant yet complex place within the biblical narrative. Known for its strength, resilience, and service, the donkey is mentioned numerous times throughout Scripture, often symbolizing humility, peace, and servitude. However, over time, the donkey also came to be viewed as an ignoble creature, reflecting a shift in cultural and theological perceptions.Biblical References and Symbolism The donkey first appears in the Bible in the context of wealth and prosperity. In Genesis 12:16, Pharaoh rewards Abram with donkeys, among other livestock, indicating the animal's value in ancient society. The donkey's role as a beast of burden is further highlighted in Genesis 22:3, where Abraham saddles his donkey for the journey to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating the animal's utility and reliability. In the account of Balaam, the donkey is portrayed as a creature capable of perceiving divine intervention. Numbers 22:21-33 recounts how Balaam's donkey sees the angel of the LORD and refuses to proceed, ultimately speaking to Balaam. This narrative underscores the donkey's unexpected wisdom and the theme of God using humble means to convey His will. The donkey also serves as a symbol of peace and humility, most notably in the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretells the coming of a king "righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5), emphasizing His role as the Prince of Peace and contrasting with the warhorses of earthly kings. Shift in Perception Despite its positive associations, the donkey's image deteriorates over time, becoming associated with stubbornness and folly. This shift is evident in various proverbs and narratives. In Job 11:12, the donkey is used metaphorically to describe a foolish person: "But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man." Here, the donkey's nature is linked to ignorance and obstinacy. The donkey's ignoble status is further cemented in the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where it was often contrasted with the horse, an animal associated with nobility and warfare. The horse's prominence in battle and royal processions overshadowed the donkey's humble service, leading to a diminished view of the latter. Theological Implications The evolving perception of the donkey in Scripture reflects broader theological themes. The donkey's initial portrayal as a valuable and wise creature aligns with the biblical principle that God often chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). However, the later association of the donkey with stubbornness and folly serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of rejecting divine wisdom. In summary, the domestic donkey's journey from a respected servant to an ignoble creature mirrors the complexities of human nature and the divine narrative. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on humility, service, and the transformative power of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 22:19He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources I am Jewish, can I become a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org Ass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Donkey: Domesticated used for Riding Donkey: Domesticated: Bridles For Donkey: Domesticated: Carrying Burdens Donkey: Domesticated: Drawing Chariots Donkey: Domesticated: Firstlings of Redeemed Donkey: Domesticated: Herds of Donkey: Domesticated: Jawbone of, Used by Samson With Which to Kill Philistines Donkey: Domesticated: Not to be Yoked With an Ox Donkey: Domesticated: Rest on the Sabbath the Domestic Donkey was Used for Bearing Burdens the Domestic Donkey was Used for Riding the Domestic Donkey was Used in Agriculture the Domestic Donkey was Used in Harness the Domestic Donkey was Used in War the Domestic Donkey: Fond of Ease the Domestic Donkey: Formed a Part of Patriarchal Wealth the Domestic Donkey: Governed by a Bridle the Domestic Donkey: Judges of Israel Rode on White the Domestic Donkey: Later Counted As an Ignoble Creature the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Astray, to be Brought Back to Its Owners the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Astray, to be Taken Care of Till Its Owner Appeared the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Christ Entered Jerusalem On the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Fallen Under a Burden, to be Assisted the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: First-Born of, If not Redeemed, to Have Its Neck Broken the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Not to be Coveted the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: Not to be Yoked With an Ox the Domestic Donkey: Laws Respecting: To Enjoy the Rest of the Sabbath the Domestic Donkey: Miracles Connected With: A Thousand Men Slain by Samson With a Jaw-Bone of the Domestic Donkey: Miracles Connected With: Eaten During Famine in Samaria the Domestic Donkey: Miracles Connected With: Mouth of Balaam's Opened to Speak the Domestic Donkey: Miracles Connected With: Not Torn by a Lion the Domestic Donkey: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought from the Jaw-Bone of the Domestic Donkey: Not Devoid of Instinct the Domestic Donkey: Often Fed on Vine-Leaves the Domestic Donkey: Often Taken Unlawfully by Corrupt Rulers the Domestic Donkey: Persons of Rank Rode On the Domestic Donkey: Trusty Persons Appointed to Take Care of the Domestic Donkey: Urged on With a Staff the Domestic Donkey: Women often Rode On the Domestic Donkey: Young, Most Valued for Labour the Wild Donkey: Brays when Hungry the Wild Donkey: Despises his Pursuers the Wild Donkey: Fond of Liberty the Wild Donkey: Inhabits Wild and Solitary Places the Wild Donkey: Intractableness of Natural Man the Wild Donkey: Israel in Their Love of Idols the Wild Donkey: Ranges the Mountains for Food the Wild Donkey: Suffers in Time of Scarcity the Wild Donkey: Supported by God the Wild Donkey: The Assyrian Power the Wild Donkey: The Ishmaelites (Hebrew) the Wild Donkey: The Wicked in Their Pursuit of Sin Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |