Topical Bible: The Ox: Often Found Wild

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ox, a domesticated form of large cattle, holds significant importance in biblical texts, both as a symbol and as a practical animal in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. While the ox is primarily known for its domesticated role, it is also mentioned in contexts that suggest its presence in the wild.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The ox is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, service, and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the ox is a key animal in agricultural life, used for plowing fields and threshing grain. Its strength and endurance made it indispensable for farming communities. In Proverbs 14:4, the importance of the ox is highlighted: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox."

The ox also plays a significant role in sacrificial practices. In Leviticus, the ox is one of the animals prescribed for offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. Leviticus 1:3 states, "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male; he must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD."

Wild Oxen in Scripture

While the domesticated ox is more commonly referenced, the Bible also alludes to wild oxen. The term "wild ox" is often translated from the Hebrew word "re'em," which some scholars associate with the now-extinct aurochs or a similar wild bovine. In Job 39:9-10, the wild ox is depicted as untamable and strong: "Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night? Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he plow the valleys behind you?"

The wild ox is also mentioned in the context of God's creation and power. In Psalm 92:10, the psalmist declares, "But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil." Here, the wild ox symbolizes strength and divine favor.

Cultural and Theological Significance

In the cultural context of the Bible, the ox represents both the domesticated and the untamed aspects of God's creation. The domesticated ox is a symbol of human stewardship and the blessings of labor, while the wild ox represents the untamed power and majesty of God's creation. This duality reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over both the ordered and the wild aspects of the world.

Theologically, the ox's role in sacrificial systems underscores the importance of obedience and devotion to God. The use of oxen in sacrifices points to the necessity of offering one's best to God, as seen in the requirement for unblemished animals in offerings.

Conclusion

The ox, whether domesticated or wild, serves as a powerful symbol in the Bible. Its presence in scripture highlights themes of strength, service, sacrifice, and the majesty of God's creation. Through its various roles, the ox reflects the intricate relationship between humanity and the divine, as well as the balance between human responsibility and the untamed aspects of the natural world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:5
The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... be understood." However, dear friends, we have often found that the ... be broken, the
richest marrow has been found within ... lion shall eat straw like an ox, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

The First Part
... of Reuben, on account of the mandrakes which he found, (but this ... of an ox, (for moschos
is an ox with the ... throne, namely, of this kind, that "as often as those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

Destruction and Help
... strangest of all is the attitude which we often take up ... It is stupid of the ox to
kick against its driver's ... but in some evil influence that had found its way ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/destruction and help.htm

General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age.
... the lion shall eat straw like the ox,' Isa. ... power in the preaching of the Gospel,
often experienced the ... second missionary journey to Sweden, he found at first ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/general remarks on the history.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... our help; or as the broken rib of the ox heals of ... many a good thing"witty and weighty,
though often not a ... worn out with toil and poverty, he found comfort in ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

The New Heart
... to us from off the mercy seat; but we have often preferred the ... but I never did make
much of it; I found I had ... that the lion will lie down with the ox, and eat ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the new heart.htm

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... He found the work of a bishop obliged him to treat that ... He rose before dawn and often
times did not break his ... the best thing he had, to wit, an ox, as heriot ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

Lessons from Nature
... Some are full of rejoicing, others are often depressed; a few ... man"would God that
all of us had found it ... The ox knoweth its owner, and the ass its master's crib ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... or eaten; they were such animals as the ox, the sheep ... their animals into these caves,
they are often called stables. ... Joseph found, we are told, one of these cold ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... on the dusty floor the quarters of the ox, previously slaughtered ... The most ancient
names were often only a short word, which ... These details are not found on the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm