Topical Encyclopedia Milch-cows, or milk cows, are female cattle that are primarily kept for the purpose of producing milk. In the context of the Bible, these animals are mentioned in a few significant passages, reflecting their role in ancient agrarian society and their symbolic importance in certain narratives.Biblical References: One of the most notable mentions of milch-cows is found in the account of the Ark of the Covenant's return to Israel from the land of the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 6:7-12 , the Philistines, plagued by misfortunes after capturing the Ark, decide to return it to the Israelites. They devise a test to determine whether their troubles are indeed caused by the God of Israel. They take two milch-cows that have never been yoked, separate them from their calves, and hitch them to a new cart carrying the Ark. The Philistines reason that if the cows head straight to the Israelite territory of Beth-shemesh, it would confirm that the God of Israel has been afflicting them. The passage reads: "Now then, prepare a new cart and two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up. Take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart, and put the gold objects that you are sending back to Him as a guilt offering in a box beside the ark. Then send it on its way, but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its own territory, toward Beth-shemesh, then it is the LORD who has brought this great disaster upon us. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened by chance." The cows, against their natural instincts to return to their calves, head straight for Beth-shemesh, lowing as they go, confirming to the Philistines that their afflictions were indeed from the God of Israel. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Milch-cows in the biblical narrative symbolize obedience and divine intervention. The fact that the cows, untrained and separated from their young, proceed directly to Israelite territory underscores the miraculous nature of the event. This act of the cows is seen as a sign of God's sovereignty and power, demonstrating His control over nature and His ability to direct even the instincts of animals to fulfill His purposes. In ancient Israelite society, milch-cows were valuable assets, providing milk, a staple in the diet, and contributing to the agricultural economy. The use of milch-cows in the narrative highlights their importance and the gravity of the situation faced by the Philistines. Theological Implications: The account of the milch-cows in 1 Samuel serves as a reminder of God's providence and the futility of resisting His will. It illustrates the theme of divine guidance and the acknowledgment of God's supremacy by even those outside the covenant community, such as the Philistines. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's creation being subject to His command, as seen in other instances where animals play a role in His divine plans. Overall, milch-cows in the Bible are more than just agricultural animals; they are instruments through which God's power and authority are revealed, serving as a testament to His involvement in the world and His ability to use all creation for His purposes. Library The Ark among the Philistines Of Removing Tithes. The Political Constitution of Egypt The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Milch-cows (1 Occurrence)Milch-cows. Milch, Milch-cows. Milcom . Multi-Version Concordance Milch-cows (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 6:7 Now therefore ... /m/milch-cows.htm - 6k Milcom (8 Occurrences) Milch (2 Occurrences) Provender (10 Occurrences) Cart (12 Occurrences) Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible say that rabbits chew the cud? Is this an error in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Milch-cows (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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