The term "wild-oxen" in the Bible is often associated with strength, power, and untamed nature. The Hebrew word often translated as "wild-ox" is "re'em," which has been a subject of debate among scholars regarding its exact identification. Some suggest it refers to the now-extinct aurochs, a large wild cattle species, while others propose it could be a type of wild bull or buffalo.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 23:22 : "God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox." This verse highlights the power and might of God, comparing His deliverance of Israel from Egypt to the formidable strength of a wild ox. The imagery suggests an unstoppable force, emphasizing God's ability to protect and lead His people.

2. Deuteronomy 33:17 : "His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth." Here, the wild ox symbolizes the strength and majesty of Joseph's descendants. The horns represent power and dominance, indicating their future victories and influence over other nations.

3. Job 39:9-12 : "Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will it stay by your manger at night? Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness? Will it plow the valleys behind you? Can you rely on its great strength? Will you leave your heavy work to it? Can you trust it to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?" In this passage, God challenges Job by pointing out the untamable nature of the wild ox. The rhetorical questions emphasize the creature's independence and strength, underscoring the limitations of human control compared to God's sovereignty.

4. Psalm 92:10 : "But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed." The psalmist uses the wild ox as a metaphor for strength and exaltation. The anointing with oil signifies blessing and empowerment, suggesting that God has elevated the psalmist to a position of strength and honor.

Symbolism and Themes:

In biblical literature, the wild ox is a symbol of untamed power and might. It represents both the strength of God and the potential for human strength when aligned with divine will. The wild ox's untamable nature serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the limitations of human power. The imagery of horns often associated with wild oxen further symbolizes authority, victory, and the ability to overcome adversaries.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, wild oxen were likely known for their formidable presence and strength. They were considered symbols of power and were often depicted in art and literature as creatures of great might. The biblical references to wild oxen would have resonated with the original audience, who understood the challenges and dangers associated with these powerful animals.

The wild ox, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful metaphor for divine strength and the potential for human empowerment through God's blessing. Its untamable nature and strength continue to inspire awe and reverence for the Creator's unmatched power.7214. reem -- a wild ox
... Short Definition: ox. Word Origin from raam Definition a wild ox NASB Word
Usage wild ox (7), wild oxen (2). unicorn. Or rieym {reh ...
/hebrew/7214.htm - 6k

Isaiah's Discourse
... And the wild-oxen shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and
their land shall be drunken with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/v isaiahs discourse.htm

That Divine Inspirations Leave us in Full Liberty to Follow or ...
... Doubtless, Theotimus, we are not drawn to God by iron chains, as bulls and wild
oxen, but by enticements, sweet attractions, and holy inspirations, which, in a ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii that divine inspirations.htm

Wild-oxen (2 Occurrences)
Wild-oxen. Wild-ox, Wild-oxen. Wilds . Multi-Version Concordance
Wild-oxen (2 Occurrences). Psalms 22:21 Save me from ...
/w/wild-oxen.htm - 6k

Unicorn (6 Occurrences)
... Described as an animal of great ferocity and strength (Numbers 23:22, RV, "wild
ox, " marg., "ox-antelope;24:8; Isaiah 34:7, RV, "wildoxen"), and untamable ...
/u/unicorn.htm - 10k

Lion's (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth! Yes, from the horns of the
wildoxen, you have answered me. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS). ...
/l/lion's.htm - 10k

Greasy (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 34:7 The wildoxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the
mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made ...
/g/greasy.htm - 7k

Wilds (1 Occurrence)

/w/wilds.htm - 6k

Wild-ox (6 Occurrences)
Wild-ox. Wildly, Wild-ox. Wild-oxen . Multi-Version Concordance Wild-ox (6
Occurrences). ... (See JPS ASV). Wildly, Wild-ox. Wild-oxen . Reference Bible.
/w/wild-ox.htm - 7k

Rhinoceros
... Version margin to Isaiah 34:7 ("rhinocerots") for re'emim, the King James Version
"unicorns," the Revised Version (British and American) "wild-oxen." The word ...
/r/rhinoceros.htm - 7k

Drunken (38 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 34:7 The wildoxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the
mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made ...
/d/drunken.htm - 18k

Lions (50 Occurrences)
... roaring. (WEB BBE NIV). Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth; yea, from
the horns of the wild-oxen do Thou answer me. (See NIV). ...
/l/lions.htm - 26k

Bulls (68 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 34:7 The wildoxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the
mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made ...
/b/bulls.htm - 27k

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