Cows, also referred to as cattle, are domesticated animals that have been integral to agricultural societies throughout history, including those depicted in the Bible. They are mentioned numerous times in the Scriptures, symbolizing wealth, sustenance, and sacrifice.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Wealth and Prosperity: In ancient times, owning cattle was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), was noted for his great wealth, which included "seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys" (Job 1:3). Cattle were a measure of a person's material blessings and social status.

2. Sacrificial System: Cows played a significant role in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. The Book of Leviticus outlines various offerings, including the burnt offering, where a bull without blemish was to be offered (Leviticus 1:3). This act of sacrifice was a means of atonement and worship, symbolizing the surrender of one's best to God.

3. Provision and Sustenance: Cows were a source of milk and meat, providing essential nutrition for the people. The Promised Land was described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating abundance and fertility. The presence of cattle contributed to this imagery of divine provision.

4. Idolatry and Rebellion: Despite their positive associations, cows also appear in contexts of idolatry. The most notable instance is the golden calf incident, where the Israelites, in Moses' absence, fashioned a calf from gold and worshiped it, leading to God's anger (Exodus 32:4). This event serves as a cautionary tale against idolatry and turning away from God.

5. Prophetic Imagery: In prophetic literature, cows are sometimes used metaphorically. For example, in the Book of Amos, the "cows of Bashan" are a metaphor for the wealthy women of Samaria who oppressed the poor and crushed the needy (Amos 4:1). This imagery underscores themes of social justice and divine judgment.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, cattle were vital for plowing fields, threshing grain, and transporting goods. They were also central to the economy, with cattle trading being a common practice. The care and management of cattle required significant skill and knowledge, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of many biblical figures, including the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological Insights

Cows, within the biblical narrative, highlight themes of God's provision, human stewardship, and the dangers of idolatry. They remind believers of the importance of gratitude for God's blessings and the responsibility to use resources wisely and ethically. The sacrificial use of cattle also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and offered Himself as the perfect atonement for sin.

In summary, cows in the Bible are multifaceted symbols that reflect the economic, religious, and moral dimensions of ancient Israelite life, offering rich insights into the relationship between God and His people.1241. baqar -- cattle, herd, an ox
... from baqar Definition cattle, herd, an ox NASB Word Usage bull (1), bull* (21),
bulls (9), bulls* (5), calf* (2), calves* (1), cattle (13), cow's (1), cows (1 ...
/hebrew/1241.htm - 6k

1 John iv. 17-21
... Often we see great calves driving their heads at the cow's udders with a force that
almost lifts up the mother's body, yet does she not kick them off; nay, if ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily ix 1 john iv.htm

Diamond Managed with Many Blunders to Read this Rhyme to his ...
... Little Boy Blue, come blow me your horn; The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in
the corn, He had to keep them out, you know. But he wasn't minding his work. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 21 diamond managed with.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... spot where it now is. The Arab geographers call the head of the Delta
Batn-el-Bagaraji, the Cow's Belly. Ampere, in his Voyage en ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Mr. ...
... trail,. The long grass grew behind them. And day's eyes and butter-cups,
cow's lips and crow's feet. Were glittering in the sun. She ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 35 mr .htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... The lady of Byblos placed the cow's horns upon her head from the moment she became
identified with Hathor.* The Baal of the neighbouring Arvad"probably a ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Manich??an System.
... By Adam she bore a beautiful son, whom the demon urged Eve to destroy. Adam stole
the child away and brought it up on cow's milk and fruit. ...
/.../chapter iii name manichaean system.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... above the earth!' Nuit said: 'And how then, my father Nu?' Thus spake Nuit, and
she did that which Nu commanded her; she changed herself into a cow, and placed ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... They knew that Hathor, the milch cow, had taken up her abode in their land from
very ancient times, and they called her the Lady of Puanit, after the name of ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. <. ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Cow's (1 Occurrence)
...Cow's (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 4:15 Then he said to me, Behold, I have given you
cow's dung for man's dung, and you shall prepare your bread thereon. ...
/c/cow's.htm - 6k

Cows (33 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Cow. ... (BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). Exodus
25:5 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, (See NIV). ...
/c/cows.htm - 15k

Excrement (3 Occurrences)
... (WBS NIV). Ezekiel 4:15 Then he said to me, Behold, I have given you cow's dung
for man's dung, and you shall prepare your bread thereon. (See NIV). ...
/e/excrement.htm - 7k

Coyly (1 Occurrence)

/c/coyly.htm - 6k

Cattle (277 Occurrences)
... for slaughtering. Travelers in the Holy Land realize that goat's milk is in
most places easier to obtain than cow's milk. The commonest ...
/c/cattle.htm - 52k

Trumpets (52 Occurrences)
... the Bible, but Jewish tradition decided in favor of the horn and not the metal trumpet,
permitting for synagogue use any kind of horn except a cow's, but for ...
/t/trumpets.htm - 32k

Feast (209 Occurrences)
... the Bible, but Jewish tradition decided in favor of the horn and not the metal trumpet,
permitting for synagogue use any kind of horn except a cow's, but for ...
/f/feast.htm - 47k

Dung (27 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To manure with dung. 4. (vt) To immerse or steep, as calico, in a bath of
hot water containing cow dung; -- done to remove the superfluous mordant. ...
/d/dung.htm - 20k

Therewith (53 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Ezekiel 4:15 Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's
dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith. (KJV DBY). ...
/t/therewith.htm - 23k

Thereon (90 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 4:15 Then he said to me, Behold, I have given you cow's dung for man's
dung, and you shall prepare your bread thereon. (WEB JPS ASV). ...
/t/thereon.htm - 34k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus