Topical Encyclopedia The term "buffalo" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the creature often associated with the buffalo in biblical texts is the "wild ox" or "aurochs." These animals are mentioned in various passages and are considered symbols of strength and power. The Hebrew word often translated as "wild ox" is "re'em," which some scholars believe may refer to a now-extinct species of large wild cattle.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 23:22 : "God brought them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of the wild ox." This verse highlights the strength and power of God, likening His might to the formidable horns of the wild ox. The imagery suggests a creature of great strength, possibly akin to the buffalo or aurochs, known for their impressive horns and robust nature. 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 is used metaphorically to describe the power and majesty of Joseph's descendants. The comparison to a firstborn bull and the wild ox underscores the might and authority bestowed upon them. 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, emphasizing its strength and independence. The rhetorical questions highlight the creature's power and the futility of human attempts to domesticate it. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical literature, the wild ox symbolizes untamed strength and divine power. Its frequent association with horns, a common biblical symbol of power and authority, reinforces this interpretation. The wild ox's depiction as a creature that cannot be easily controlled or domesticated serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the limits of human power. Cultural and Historical Context: The wild ox, or aurochs, was a large and powerful animal that roamed the ancient Near East. It was known for its impressive size and strength, making it a fitting symbol for divine power in biblical texts. While the exact species referred to as "re'em" is debated, the imagery remains consistent with the characteristics of large, horned cattle, such as the buffalo or aurochs. In summary, while the term "buffalo" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of a powerful, horned beast is present through the depiction of the wild ox. This creature serves as a potent symbol of strength, power, and the majesty of God throughout the Scriptures. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (B. bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.2. (n.) A very large and savage species of the same genus (B. Caffer) found in South Africa; -- called also Cape buffalo. 3. (n.) Any species of wild ox. 4. (n.) The bison of North America. 5. (n.) A buffalo robe. See Buffalo robe, below. 6. (n.) The buffalo fish. See Buffalo fish, below. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BUFFALObuf'-a-lo. Library The Author --Dr. HC Leupold Of the Life and Conduct of Abbot Paphnutius. Critical Conventions. False Teachings of the Apostasy. The Evolution of Language The Worship of the Church Illustrations The First Division of Ancient Christianity: the Church under the ... Continued. Preface. Essentially Thesaurus Buffalo (5 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A very large and savage species of the same genus (B. Caffer) found in South Africa; -- called also Cape buffalo. ... 5. (n.) A buffalo robe. ... /b/buffalo.htm - 8k Buffalo's (1 Occurrence) Buds (20 Occurrences) Buffet (4 Occurrences) Zoology Unicorn (6 Occurrences) Gnat (1 Occurrence) Buffaloes (2 Occurrences) Bugle (1 Occurrence) Bottle (28 Occurrences) Resources What are the religious / spiritual beliefs of Native Americans? | GotQuestions.orgBuffalo: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Buffalo (5 Occurrences)Numbers 23:22 Numbers 24:8 Job 39:9 Job 39:10 Psalms 29:6 Subtopics Related Terms |