Topical Bible: The Mule: First Mention of

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The mule, a hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse, is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of King David's reign. The mule is noted for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, making it a valuable asset in ancient times for transportation and labor.

The first mention of the mule in the Bible is found in 2 Samuel 13:29, during the narrative of Absalom's revenge against his half-brother Amnon. The verse states: "So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the rest of the king’s sons got up, and each mounted his mule and fled." This passage highlights the use of mules by the royal family, indicating their status as animals of significance and utility within the kingdom.

The context of this first mention is significant, as it occurs during a tumultuous period in King David's household. The use of mules by the king's sons underscores their role as reliable and swift means of escape, reflecting the animal's valued characteristics. The narrative also provides insight into the transportation methods of the time, where mules were preferred for their ability to navigate the rugged terrain of ancient Israel.

In the broader biblical context, mules are mentioned several times, often associated with royalty and wealth. For instance, King Solomon is noted for importing mules as part of his extensive trade network (1 Kings 10:25). The presence of mules in these accounts further emphasizes their importance in the socio-economic and political landscape of the biblical era.

The first mention of the mule in 2 Samuel 13:29 sets the stage for its continued presence in the biblical narrative, where it serves as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the complexities of royal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 36:24
And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gospel of Luke
... came: stupid and stubborn as the ass or mule, cunning and ... is a difference in the
order of mention of Satan's ... In Matthew the order is, first the asking of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... An Exposition on the FIRST TEN CHAPTERS OF GENESIS, And Part of the Eleventh. ... AN
EXPOSITION ON THE FIRST TEN CHAPTERS OF GENESIS, AND PART OF THE ELEVENTH. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... any delay they set Solomon upon the mule, and brought him ... by thirty days at a time,
from the first day till ... whose names I do not think it necessary to mention. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Excursus on the Heresies Condemned in Canon I.
... party it seems right that some mention should be ... Apollinaris was the first to apply
the results of ... adduce created analogies, such as the mule, midway between ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the heresies condemned.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... Mounted on his mule, he passed from one part of the ... Among the first to catch Nehemiah's
spirit of zeal and ... and these faithful men have honorable mention in the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... hecho, Narvaez"Don't spare the garrote nor the mule! ... who had looked somewhat blank
at the first appearance of ... arise in our minds at the sole mention of that ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ...
... account of demons, of which we shall only mention three: To ... As instances of the first
we may quote the following ... As a mule does not propagate itself, so let not ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvi on the jewish.htm

To Olympias. Why do You Lament? Why do You Belabour Yourself...
... for he also had alighted from his mule), and so ... if you speak of confiscation of goods
you mention what is ... the See after the death of Arsacius the first intruder ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias why do you.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... the red hat and gown, the ambling mule, the silk ... and within two years, seemingly,
after his first triumph at ... to whose genius I owe too much to mention his name ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... to the Galatians the same Apostle makes mention of the ... His death; like the waving
of the first-fruits, which ... He rode upon another's mule, not as a warrior, but ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm