Topical Bible: The Ox used for Ploughing

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ox, a domesticated bovine animal, holds significant importance in biblical times, particularly in agricultural contexts. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the ox was indispensable for ploughing fields, a task essential for crop production and sustenance.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The use of oxen for ploughing is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their role in agriculture and daily life. In Deuteronomy 25:4, the law states, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." This command underscores the principle of fair treatment and provision for working animals, reflecting a broader ethic of care and justice.

In 1 Kings 19:19, the prophet Elijah finds Elisha ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen, indicating the substantial resources and labor involved in farming. This scene also serves as a backdrop for Elisha's calling to prophetic ministry, symbolizing a transition from agricultural labor to spiritual service.

The ox is also used metaphorically in Scripture. In Proverbs 14:4, it is written, "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 role in productivity and prosperity, emphasizing the value of hard work and preparation.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In the cultural context of the Bible, the ox was not only a beast of burden but also a symbol of strength and reliability. The pairing of oxen in a yoke for ploughing is a common image, representing teamwork and shared effort. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus invites His followers to take His yoke upon them, promising rest and guidance (Matthew 11:29-30).

The law concerning the yoking of animals, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:10, "Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together," reflects a concern for balance and fairness, ensuring that animals of different strengths are not unequally burdened. This principle can be seen as an extension of the broader biblical theme of justice and equity.

Practical Aspects of Ploughing with Oxen

Ploughing with oxen involved attaching a wooden plough to a yoke, which was then placed on the shoulders of the oxen. This method allowed farmers to till the soil effectively, preparing it for sowing seeds. The strength and endurance of oxen made them well-suited for this labor-intensive task, and their use was widespread across the ancient Near East.

The reliance on oxen for ploughing also had economic implications. Ownership of oxen was a sign of wealth and stability, as they were valuable assets in an agrarian economy. The loss or theft of oxen could have devastating effects on a family's livelihood, as seen in the account of Job, where the Sabeans steal his oxen (Job 1:14-15).

Conclusion

The ox's role in ploughing is a testament to its importance in biblical times, both practically and symbolically. Through various scriptural references, the ox is portrayed as a vital component of agricultural life, a symbol of strength, and a subject of ethical consideration. Its presence in the biblical narrative offers insights into the values and practices of ancient Israelite society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 19:19
So he departed there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:14
And there came a messenger to Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 6:12
Shall horses run on the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for you have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Work
... for much increase is in the strength of the ox.' For the ox, in that country, as
in most parts of the world now, is the beast used for ploughing, and for all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xii work.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... in their regard, so that five oxen were to be restored for one ox. ... a cow is useful
in five ways: it may be used for sacrifice, for ploughing, for food ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... And of the ploughing, because there was nothing to reap, but labor only, he used
the word ... and, "who feedeth a flock?" and introduced the ox that treadeth the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... If we are willing to be used, He is willing to use ... He said: "I can imagine that when
he was ploughing in the ... are four hundred short.' So he took an ox goad and ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... of a bitch, either of one that is used in hunting ... to that plant, and be not harassed
by ploughing also. ... what is lost, excepting the case of an ox, for which let ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

The Uses of the Law
... your neighbour's house, or his man-servant, or his ox, or his ... "Stoop down my soul
that used to rise. ... book of Job it is said, "The oxen were ploughing, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... which kicks against the pricks of the ox-goad; they ... to bring you to Christ should
be used by Satan ... no sowing till there has been ploughing, sharp ploughshares ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... Ploughing, harrowing, scarifying, fall to the lot of the best of ... axe which boasteth
itself shall not be used upon the ... hammer and a tent-pin, by an ox-goad, by ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

The Hope of Future Bliss
... Doth the ox envy the lion ... I used to think that if I could see the lost in hell, surely ...
more than a few creeping insects that are swept away in ploughing a field ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the hope of future bliss.htm

"For to be Carnally Minded is Death; but to be Spiritually Minded ...
... once you begin well, the beginning (as you used to say ... to lead you on into it, like
an ox to the ... service of the flesh here, and all your ploughing, and labouring ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix for to be.htm