Topical Bible: The Mule: The Jews: Brought Many, from Babylon

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Topical Encyclopedia

The mule, a hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse, holds a unique place in biblical history and Jewish tradition. Known for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, the mule was a valuable asset in ancient times, particularly in the rugged terrains of the Near East.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The mule is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in contexts that highlight its utility and significance. In the post-exilic period, after the Babylonian captivity, the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem marked a significant moment in Jewish history. During this time, the mule played a crucial role in the transportation of people and goods.

Ezra 2:66 records the inventory of animals brought back by the returning exiles: "They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys." This passage underscores the importance of mules in the logistical efforts of the returning Jews. The presence of mules among the returning exiles indicates their value in carrying loads and facilitating travel over long distances, which was essential for the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

In the broader biblical narrative, the mule is often associated with royalty and nobility. For instance, King David's son Absalom rode a mule (2 Samuel 18:9), and Solomon was placed on King David's mule as a sign of his succession to the throne (1 Kings 1:33). These instances reflect the mule's status as a symbol of authority and prestige.

The use of mules by the returning exiles from Babylon can also be seen as a reflection of God's provision and faithfulness. Despite the hardships of captivity, the Jews were able to return to their homeland with the resources necessary to rebuild their lives and their community. The inclusion of mules in their inventory highlights the practical means by which God facilitated their return and restoration.

Practical Considerations

Mules were particularly suited to the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem due to their ability to carry heavy loads and navigate difficult terrain. Their hybrid nature endowed them with the strength of horses and the endurance of donkeys, making them ideal for long-distance travel. This practical advantage would have been crucial for the exiles, who faced a journey of several hundred miles through varied landscapes.

Conclusion

The mention of mules in the context of the Jewish return from Babylon serves as a testament to their practical importance and symbolic value in biblical times. As a creature that embodies strength, resilience, and service, the mule played a vital role in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, aiding in their journey back to the land of their ancestors.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 2:66
Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Revolt of Babylon.
... their wickedness, their wanton cruelty toward the Jews, had brought ... ordered the prisoner
to be brought before him. ... which had happened in respect to the mule. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter vii the revolt of.htm

John Chapter iv. Jan-42
... husband.' Be not as the horse and mule, which have no ... Just now she saith, The Jews
are contending for the ... ripe, when so many thousands of men brought the price ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xv john chapter iv.htm

Matt. I. 17
... Holy Ghost." He saith not, "before she was brought to the ... For "His people" are not
the Jews only, but also all ... bear, and pamper thy flesh as the mule, and bear ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... will earn him the good things of this world"the red hat and gown, the ambling mule,
the silk ... It was brought back from Babylon by the Jews after the ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

Psalm LV.
... saying, "Do not become like horse and mule, in which ... hath been made whole it may
be brought back to ... There roared without Jews, within a disciple was betraying. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... sons of the judges used them, and David's mule was used ... them go.7 And they bring {
^a brought} the ass ... the crucifixion, which would present to the Jews a strong ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

Matt. xviii. 7
... the danger of the soul, that which is brought upon men ... But now the contrary is done;
with Jews and with Greeks ... And should one have a mule, great is his anxiety ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lix matt xviii 7.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Whereas at Babylon, moreover, original documents abound, enabling us ... favour of a
man's having as many wives as ... which direct contact would have brought upon the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of the four great monarchies of the world, of which Babylon, though the ... all flesh,
that he should give eternal life to as many as thou ... "And brought them unto ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as objects of God's vengeance for the many evils they ... And he that brought the tidings
answered and said, Israel is ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm