The domestic donkey, a humble and enduring animal, holds a significant place within biblical narratives and laws. In the context of ancient Israelite society, the donkey was a valuable asset, used for transportation, agriculture, and trade. The Mosaic Law contains specific regulations concerning the treatment and use of donkeys, reflecting their importance in daily life and religious observance.

Laws Respecting Donkeys:

1. Sabbath Rest: According to the Mosaic Law, donkeys, like other animals, were to be given rest on the Sabbath. Exodus 23:12 states, "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident."

2. Prohibition of Unequal Yoking: The Israelites were instructed not to plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:10 : "Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together." This law underscores the principle of fairness and consideration for the animals' differing strengths and natures.

3. Firstborn Redemption: The firstborn of a donkey was to be redeemed with a lamb, as outlined in Exodus 13:13 : "You must redeem every firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. But if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem."

4. Return of Strayed Donkeys: The law required the return of a neighbor's stray donkey, emphasizing community responsibility and care. Exodus 23:4 instructs, "If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him."

Christ Entered Jerusalem On a Donkey:

The donkey's most profound biblical significance is found in the New Testament, where it serves as a symbol of humility and peace during Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming of the Messiah in a manner that contrasted with the expectations of a conquering king.

In Matthew 21:1-7 , the account of Jesus' entry is detailed: "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.' This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to the Daughter of Zion, "See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."' So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them."

This act of riding a donkey into Jerusalem symbolized Jesus' role as the Prince of Peace, contrasting with the warhorses of earthly kings. The donkey, therefore, becomes a powerful emblem of the Messiah's mission to bring salvation and peace, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy and demonstrating the kingdom of God as one of humility and service.Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:14
And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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