Topical Bible: The Ox: Rapid Manner of Collecting Its Food Alluded To

◄ The Ox: Rapid Manner of Collecting Its Food Alluded To ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The ox, a domesticated bovine animal, holds significant importance in biblical literature, both as a symbol and as a practical asset in agrarian societies. Its role in agriculture and its characteristics are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, providing insights into its nature and the lessons it imparts.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The ox is often depicted as a symbol of strength and diligence. In Proverbs 14:4, the value of the ox is highlighted: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." This verse underscores the ox's essential role in productivity and sustenance, emphasizing its contribution to a prosperous life.

Rapid Manner of Collecting Food

The rapid manner in which the ox collects its food is alluded to in various biblical passages, reflecting its efficiency and industrious nature. The ox's ability to graze quickly and effectively is emblematic of the diligence and hard work expected of believers. This characteristic is metaphorically applied to spiritual and moral teachings, encouraging individuals to be industrious in their pursuit of righteousness and knowledge.

In the context of biblical teachings, the ox's feeding habits can be seen as a metaphor for the swift and earnest acquisition of wisdom and understanding. Just as the ox gathers its sustenance with purpose and vigor, believers are encouraged to seek spiritual nourishment with the same intensity and dedication.

Practical and Spiritual Lessons

The ox's rapid feeding is not only a practical observation but also serves as a spiritual lesson. The diligence of the ox in gathering food is a reminder of the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and learning. In a spiritual sense, this can be interpreted as a call to be proactive in one's faith journey, to seek out and absorb the teachings of Scripture with eagerness and commitment.

Furthermore, the ox's behavior can be seen as an allegory for the Christian life, where believers are urged to be steadfast and unwavering in their devotion. The ox's relentless pursuit of sustenance mirrors the believer's pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and the continuous effort required to maintain a strong and vibrant faith.

Conclusion

The ox, with its rapid manner of collecting food, serves as a powerful symbol in biblical literature. Its characteristics provide valuable lessons on diligence, strength, and the importance of actively seeking spiritual nourishment. Through the metaphor of the ox, Scripture encourages believers to embody these traits in their own lives, striving for a fruitful and faithful existence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:4
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The slaying of an ox or the destruction of an agricultural ... Sargon had in like manner
given one ... Elam concealed its ill-feeling, but the Kalda of Bit-Dakkuri had ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... The ox-driver, while goading his beasts, cried out to them ... Ramses III., but its downward
progress was rapid, and the ... united to Ra in a definite manner, and his ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... dusty floor the quarters of the ox, previously slaughtered ... In order to understand
the manner in which the ... all that the Nile brings from its mysterious sources ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... question his prisoners, the two chiefs: "What manner of men ... career, there was, it
would appear, a rapid falling off ... Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... one that took much delight in all manner of vice ... off my mind, and my heart returned
to its old course ... How rapid were his thoughts"'Wilt thou leave thy sins and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm