Topical Bible: The Ox: Not Without Sagacity

◄ The Ox: Not Without Sagacity ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ox, a domesticated bovine animal, holds a significant place in biblical literature and ancient Near Eastern culture. Known for its strength and utility, the ox is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both physical power and a certain level of intelligence or sagacity.

Symbol of Strength and Labor

The ox is often associated with strength and the ability to perform laborious tasks. In Proverbs 14:4, the Bible states, "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox." This verse highlights the ox's role in agricultural productivity, emphasizing its importance in sustaining livelihoods through its labor.

Sacrificial Role

In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the ox was considered a valuable offering. Leviticus 1:3-5 describes the procedure for offering a bull as a burnt offering, indicating the ox's role in religious rituals. The offering of an ox was a significant act of worship, symbolizing the offerer's devotion and the atonement of sin.

Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity

The possession of oxen was often a sign of wealth and prosperity. Job, a man described as "the greatest of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3), owned a large number of oxen, which underscored his wealth and status. The ox's ability to plow fields and produce food made it a valuable asset in agrarian societies.

Intelligence and Sagacity

While the ox is primarily noted for its strength, it is also recognized for its sagacity. In Isaiah 1:3, the prophet uses the ox to illustrate a point about understanding and recognition: "The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand." Here, the ox is portrayed as having the wisdom to recognize its master, contrasting with the spiritual ignorance of the people of Israel.

Laws Concerning the Ox

The Mosaic Law contains specific regulations regarding the treatment of oxen, reflecting their importance and the need for humane treatment. Exodus 23:12 commands, "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest." This law underscores the value placed on the well-being of working animals, acknowledging their contribution to human labor.

Additionally, Deuteronomy 25:4 instructs, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." This command ensures that the ox is allowed to eat while working, recognizing its right to benefit from its labor.

Prophetic Imagery

The ox also appears in prophetic imagery, symbolizing strength and divine judgment. In Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, each creature had four faces, one of which was the face of an ox (Ezekiel 1:10). This imagery conveys the power and majesty of God's heavenly beings.

Conclusion

The ox, as depicted in the Bible, is a creature of notable strength, utility, and intelligence. Its presence in biblical narratives and laws highlights its integral role in ancient society, both as a symbol of prosperity and as a participant in religious and cultural practices. Through its various representations, the ox serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of creation and the divine order established by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:3
The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel does not know, my people does not consider.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exhortations to those who are Called
... If you pity an ox or an ass going astray, will ... without sourness, so there is a cheerful
liveliness without lightness ... We must not be like hot iron, which may be ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... worshipping a fly, did offer up an ox thereto. ... as we may be free, so we should not
be vain ... If without wronging others, or derogating from ourselves, we can be ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... 3] "The Scripture saith"Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth ... a deacon or a
bishop was elected, he was not permitted, without farther ceremony ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

Letter Lxxiv. To Martinianus.
... the knowledge of good and beautiful things without trouble, and ... in which some owner
of horse or ox might act ... approve of your advice, the day is not far distant ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter lxxiv to martinianus.htm

The Important Question
... such an end, unless he die like an ox, may any ... to the wicked!" No peace of mind:
And without this, there ... years, and then happy forever?" It is not, "Will you ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... of parents who bowed before the Lama or the ox, an image ... at them without pleasure,
and leaves them without regret ... He knew not that all the good which they could ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... [1643] "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass ... Nevertheless, I have not detained you
so long without profit. For what would you have done until the evening? ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm

Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... now, he who among them sacrificeth an ox, is as ... suffer such things, because there
is not among them ... guidance [4479] ;' but they who are without guidance fall ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xix for 347 coss rufinus.htm

Hugh the Builder
... field now called "Buildings," but now so-called without visible reason ... six pounds
odd, in days when an ox cost three ... It could not have been far short of L10,000 ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... In the Levitical Law, he that knew his ox was apt to gore, and ... talk not of other
men's lives; and if thou canst without offense, reveal them not, for he ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm