Topical Encyclopedia The domestic donkey, known scientifically as Equus africanus asinus, holds a unique place in biblical texts, often symbolizing service, humility, and burden-bearing. However, within the context of the Mosaic Law, the donkey is classified among the unclean animals, which has implications for its role in Israelite society and religious practices.Biblical References and Symbolism The donkey is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, serving as a common beast of burden in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It is often associated with humility and peace, as seen in the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretells the Messiah entering Jerusalem "riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing His peaceful mission (Matthew 21:5). Unclean Status According to Levitical law, the donkey is considered an unclean animal. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 outline the dietary laws given to the Israelites, specifying which animals are clean and unclean. The donkey, lacking a divided hoof and not chewing the cud, does not meet the criteria for clean animals. As such, it was not permissible for consumption or sacrifice. Exodus 13:13 provides further insight into the treatment of donkeys under the law: "You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb. But if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck." This requirement underscores the donkey's unclean status, necessitating redemption through a clean animal, the lamb, to avoid destruction. Cultural and Religious Implications The unclean status of the donkey did not diminish its practical value in Israelite society. Donkeys were essential for transportation and agriculture, used by both common people and figures of authority. For instance, Abraham, Moses, and Balaam are all depicted using donkeys in their journeys (Genesis 22:3, Exodus 4:20, Numbers 22:21). Despite its unclean status, the donkey's role in biblical narratives often conveys deeper spiritual truths. The account of Balaam's donkey (Numbers 22:21-33) illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to use even unclean animals to fulfill His purposes. The donkey's speech to Balaam serves as a divine intervention, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's will. Theological Reflections The classification of the donkey as unclean invites reflection on the broader themes of purity and redemption in Scripture. The necessity of redeeming the firstborn donkey with a lamb points to the sacrificial system and foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ, the Lamb of God. This typology emphasizes the transformative power of divine grace, capable of redeeming the unclean and making it useful for God's purposes. In summary, while the domestic donkey is deemed unclean according to Mosaic Law, its presence in biblical narratives is rich with symbolic meaning, illustrating themes of humility, service, and redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:2,3,26Speak to the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which you shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 13:13 Library On the Road to Jerusalem 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) |
    |