Topical Bible: The Mule: Liable to the Plague

◄ The Mule: Liable to the Plague ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The mule, a hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse, is mentioned several times in the Bible. While the mule itself is not directly associated with the plague, its presence in biblical narratives provides insight into its role and significance in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Mules are first mentioned in the context of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 13:29, Absalom orders his servants to kill Amnon, and afterward, "all the king’s sons got up, each mounted his mule, and fled." This passage highlights the use of mules as a means of transportation for royalty, indicating their value and status.

In 1 Kings 1:33, King David instructs Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet to "take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son mount my own mule, and take him down to Gihon." Here, the mule serves as a symbol of royal authority and the legitimate transfer of kingship to Solomon.

Mules and the Plague

While the Bible does not explicitly link mules to the plague, the broader context of biblical teachings on cleanliness and disease can be considered. In the Old Testament, God provides the Israelites with laws concerning cleanliness and the handling of animals, which can be found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These laws were designed to prevent the spread of disease and maintain the health of the community.

The potential for animals to carry disease is acknowledged in biblical texts, though not specifically with mules. For instance, in Exodus 9:3, during the plagues of Egypt, the Lord warns, "the hand of the LORD will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks." This passage illustrates the susceptibility of animals to divine judgment through plagues, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's commands to avoid such calamities.

Practical Considerations

In ancient times, mules were valued for their strength and endurance, making them suitable for transportation and labor. However, like all animals, they required proper care to prevent disease. The biblical emphasis on cleanliness and the proper treatment of animals would have extended to mules, ensuring they did not become vectors for disease.

The Bible's teachings on stewardship and responsibility would have guided the Israelites in their interactions with animals, including mules. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse underscores the importance of caring for animals in a way that honors God's creation and prevents the spread of disease.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly associate mules with the plague, the principles of cleanliness, stewardship, and obedience to God's laws provide a framework for understanding the care and management of animals in biblical times. Mules, as valuable assets in ancient Israel, would have been subject to these principles to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 14:15
And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Origin of Species.
... ever having been produced by a male and female mule. ... members of these species are
still liable to vary ... as the most uncertain of things; plague, pestilence, and ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... after this shall be infected with the plague, this rather ... than we are above our horse
or mule that is ... nature and unbelief, and both alike visibly liable to the ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm