Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical law and tradition, the ass, or donkey, is classified among the unclean animals. This classification is rooted in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which are detailed in the Pentateuch. According to these laws, certain animals were deemed unclean and thus unsuitable for consumption or sacrifice.The ass is specifically mentioned in the context of the firstborn of animals. In Exodus 13:13 , it is written: "You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem." This passage highlights the unclean status of the donkey, as it requires redemption with a clean animal, a lamb, to be spared. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is further elaborated in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. While these chapters do not explicitly mention the ass, they provide the criteria for determining the cleanness of animals, primarily focusing on their dietary habits and physical characteristics. The ass, being a non-ruminant and having a solid hoof, does not meet the criteria for clean animals, which must chew the cud and have a split hoof. Despite its unclean status, the ass holds significant practical value in biblical times. It was commonly used as a beast of burden, for transportation, and in agricultural work. The ass is frequently mentioned in narratives throughout the Old and New Testaments, often symbolizing humility and service. For instance, in the account of Balaam, the ass is portrayed as a perceptive creature that sees the angel of the Lord when Balaam does not (Numbers 22:21-33). In the New Testament, the ass gains symbolic importance in the account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As recorded in Matthew 21:5 , Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah by riding into the city on a donkey, an act that signifies peace and humility: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" The ass, while unclean according to Levitical law, serves as a multifaceted symbol throughout the biblical narrative, representing both the practical aspects of daily life in ancient Israel and deeper spiritual truths. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 22:3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went to the place of which God had told him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 21:2 Library Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... Matt. xx. 29, 30 On the Animals Titus i. 14-Dec Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Faustus Avows his Disbelief in the Old Testament and his Disregard ... The Mosaic Law the Fountain of all Ethics, and the Source from ... The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ... Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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