the Domestic Donkey: Later Counted As an Ignoble Creature
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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 22:19
He 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.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org

Ass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Ass

Donkey: Domesticated by Jesus

Donkey: Domesticated for Food

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

Donkey: Wild

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: Strong

the Domestic Donkey: Trusty Persons Appointed to Take Care of

the Domestic Donkey: Unclean

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: Intractable

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

the Wild Donkey: Unsocial

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the Domestic Donkey: Judges of Israel Rode on White
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