Topical Bible: The Ox: Often Given As a Present

◄ The Ox: Often Given As a Present ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ox holds a significant place in biblical history and culture, often symbolizing strength, labor, and wealth. In the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, the ox was a valuable asset, essential for plowing fields, threshing grain, and transporting goods. Its importance is reflected in various biblical passages where the ox is mentioned as a gift or offering, underscoring its value and utility.

Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity

In the biblical context, the ox is frequently associated with wealth and prosperity. The possession of oxen was a sign of economic stability and abundance. For instance, in the book of Job, Job's wealth is partially measured by his ownership of oxen: "He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys" (Job 1:3). The oxen here are indicative of Job's substantial wealth and status.

The Ox as a Gift

The giving of an ox as a present is a testament to its value. In 1 Kings 19:21, Elisha, before following Elijah, sacrifices a pair of oxen and uses the equipment to cook the meat, which he then gives to the people. This act of giving underscores the ox's role as a significant and generous gift, reflecting the giver's wealth and the importance of the occasion.

Sacrificial Offerings

Oxen were also central to sacrificial practices in the Old Testament. They were considered acceptable offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and devotion. In Leviticus 1:3, the law prescribes that if one's offering is a burnt sacrifice from the herd, it must be a male without blemish. The ox, as a prime example of such an offering, highlights its role in religious and communal life.

Covenantal and Ceremonial Significance

The ox is also present in covenantal and ceremonial contexts. In 2 Samuel 24:22-24, Araunah offers oxen to King David for a burnt offering. David insists on purchasing them, stating, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24). This passage illustrates the ox's role in solemnizing covenants and its perceived worthiness as a sacrificial gift.

The Ox in Proverbs

The book of Proverbs further emphasizes the ox's value, associating it with productivity and sustenance. Proverbs 14:4 states, "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox" . This proverb highlights the ox's essential role in agricultural success and, by extension, its value as a gift that can ensure prosperity.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the ox is depicted as a symbol of strength, wealth, and divine favor. Its frequent mention as a gift or offering underscores its importance in the economic, religious, and social spheres of ancient Israelite life. The ox's role as a present reflects its status as a valuable and respected asset, integral to the sustenance and prosperity of the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 12:16
And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 20:14
And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

St. Paul's Phraseology Often Suggested by the Jewish Scriptures ...
... Paul's Phraseology Often Suggested by the Jewish Scriptures Christ ... says: "Thou shalt
not muzzle the ox that treadeth ... to the figure of a sacred sign given by an ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter vii st pauls phraseology often.htm

Book I.
... The ox seeks his fellow, and conceives itself incomplete, and by frequent lowing
shows its tender ... What pleasure, what amusement often was given me by this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... to promote the cause which they despise, and often endeavour to ... and the lion shall
eat straw like the ox. ... The heathen are given to MESSIAH for His inheritance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.htm

The First Part
... second of an ox, (for moschos is an ox with the ... the churches formed their holy
congregations, so often "the four ... book," and the object seemed to be given up for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

1 Timothy v. 15-Nov
... they ought not, that no occasion should be given to the ... Unless he is as the ox treading
out the corn ... and the sun is sometimes eclipsed, and often darkened with ...
/.../homily xv 1 timothy v.htm

True Sabbath Observance
... one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ... They who wait on Him often find more
than they expect in ... they have received in the new nature given them through ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true sabbath observance.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... had stopped their mouths, once and twice and often, and had ... and here, "There shall
no sign be given it, but ... that He should die [1750] and "the ox that knoweth ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

"For to be Carnally Minded is Death; but to be Spiritually Minded ...
... as to lead you on into it, like an ox to the ... gives us an antidote against it, and
labours often to purge ... listen to this word, to this watchword given you and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix for to be.htm

The Uses of the Law
... neighbour's house, or his man-servant, or his ox, or his ... I have often felt myself
rather amused at some of ... I have long since given up entreating people to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

The Good Samaritan
... which was infested by robbers, and was often the scene of ... Directions had been given
to Moses for the children of ... effect: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 54 the good samaritan.htm