Topical Bible: The Ox: Publicly Sold

◄ The Ox: Publicly Sold ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the ox was a valuable asset in agrarian societies, serving as a beast of burden and a source of meat, milk, and hides. The sale of oxen was a common practice, and the public sale of these animals is mentioned in various contexts within the Scriptures.

Economic Significance

The ox was integral to the agricultural economy of ancient Israel. It was used for plowing fields, threshing grain, and transporting goods. The sale of oxen, therefore, was not merely a transaction of livestock but a significant economic activity. The public sale of oxen would have been a notable event, impacting the livelihoods of those involved in agriculture.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines regarding the treatment and sale of oxen. For instance, Exodus 21:28-32 outlines the legal responsibilities of an ox owner if the animal were to gore someone. The law required that the owner be held accountable, and in some cases, the ox would be sold, and the proceeds divided as compensation. This reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and restitution.

Symbolic and Religious Aspects

The ox also held symbolic significance in the Bible. It was often associated with strength and service. In the sacrificial system, oxen were among the animals offered to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. The public sale of oxen for sacrificial purposes would have been a solemn and religiously significant event.

Biblical References

The public sale of oxen is indirectly referenced in several passages. In 1 Kings 19:21, Elisha sacrifices a pair of oxen and uses the equipment to cook the meat, signifying his commitment to follow Elijah. While not a sale, this act underscores the value and significance of oxen in biblical narratives.

In the New Testament, Jesus' cleansing of the temple includes driving out those who were selling oxen, sheep, and doves (John 2:14-16). This event highlights the commercialization of religious practices and the need for purity in worship.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, the public sale of oxen would have been conducted in marketplaces or at city gates, where legal transactions were often finalized. These sales were likely overseen by community elders or officials to ensure fairness and adherence to the law.

Conclusion

The public sale of oxen in biblical times was a multifaceted event, encompassing economic, legal, and religious dimensions. It reflects the broader biblical themes of justice, stewardship, and the proper use of resources. The ox, as a symbol of strength and service, played a crucial role in the daily life and spiritual practices of the people of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 24:24
And the king said to Araunah, No; but I will surely buy it of you at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God of that which does cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:19
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray you have me excused.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... account privately and to some, I do so publicly, and to ... one who was hated, and he
who was sold [4321] dispossesses ... I have taken no ox of yours, [4375] says the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ...
... good-natured assistance of the youths, he sold it for ... which had been found in the
kidneys of an ox. ... of those who receive benefit be read publicly, yet those ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of miracles which were.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... the many infallible signs and miracles which the author of it worked publicly as
the ... the city of Jerusalem, (Zechariah 9:9.) that he should be sold for thirty ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... whatever; and that 'the Book of Sports shall be seized, and publicly burnt.' During ...
Having so often sold thyself to me to work wickedness, wilt thou forsake me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Of the wicked there are several sorts, some more ignorant, some more knowing; the
more ignorant of them are such as go to be executed, as the ox goes to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm