Topical Bible: The Ox was Clean and Fit for Food

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ox, a domesticated bovine animal, holds significant importance in biblical texts, both as a symbol and as a source of sustenance. In the context of dietary laws, the ox is classified as a clean animal, permissible for consumption according to the Mosaic Law. This classification is rooted in the specific criteria outlined in the Torah, which distinguishes clean animals from unclean ones based on certain physical characteristics.

Biblical Criteria for Clean Animals

The primary biblical passage that addresses the dietary laws concerning clean and unclean animals is found in Leviticus 11. According to Leviticus 11:3 , "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." The ox meets both of these criteria: it has a split hoof and is a ruminant, meaning it chews the cud. This dual qualification renders the ox clean and fit for consumption by the Israelites.

Symbolic and Practical Significance

Beyond its dietary status, the ox is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength and service. 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 verse highlights the ox's role in agriculture and its contribution to prosperity and sustenance.

The ox was also integral to sacrificial practices. In the Old Testament, oxen were often used in burnt offerings and peace offerings, as seen in passages like Numbers 7:87-88 , which details the offerings made by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The use of oxen in sacrifices underscores their value and the significance of offering something of great worth to God.

Cultural and Economic Role

In ancient Israelite society, the ox was not only a source of food but also a vital component of the agrarian economy. Oxen were used for plowing fields, threshing grain, and transporting goods. Their strength and endurance made them indispensable for farming and trade, contributing to the overall well-being and stability of the community.

The economic importance of the ox is further illustrated in the laws concerning the treatment of animals. Deuteronomy 25:4 states, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." This command reflects a broader principle of fairness and care for working animals, acknowledging their role in sustaining human life.

Conclusion

The ox, as a clean animal, holds a multifaceted role in biblical texts, serving as a source of nourishment, a symbol of strength, and a key player in the agricultural and economic life of ancient Israel. Its inclusion in the dietary laws underscores the careful consideration given to the physical and spiritual well-being of the Israelite community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:4
These are the beasts which you shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ...
... Clean scrape as with a file,. ... in a division of flesh by Prometheus, received the
white bones of an ox, concealed with ... All burnt, not fit for hungry dogs to eat,. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi prayers and praise from.htm

Perseverance in Holiness
... In my subject there is meat fit for kings: however badly ... likened the Lord of Glory
to an ox that eateth ... such as these:""Then will I sprinkle clean water upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/perseverance in holiness.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... for runaways;[4] He that, like to the ox,[5] backslidden ... shews them how To keep their
garments clean, their knees ... strong meat for men of age; Food fit for who ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

A New Creation
... Nay, it is a world fit for angels, naturally; but it is ... when the lion shall eat straw
like the ox, and the ... but surely, surely, I may wash and be clean; I will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a new creation.htm

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope
... by carrying a calf on his shoulders, got to carry an ox by and ... Who can bring a clean
thing out ... cleanse, and strip from me the foul and ragged robe fit only for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/a dark picture and a.htm

What I Think of Myself and what God Thinks of Me
... All the ways of a man are clean in his ... the man that began by carrying a calf can
carry an ox at the ... say, 'Show me what to do, and make me willing and fit to do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/what i think of myself.htm

The New Heart
... and I will make thee a vessel of honor, fit for my ... feeding like the barn-door fowl
on the clean grain, unless ... that the lion will lie down with the ox, and eat ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the new heart.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... of a man, the three have a fit companion in ... shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox
that treadeth out ... trim lamps, light fires, sweep floors, clean vegetables, put ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

The Uses of the Law
... door as an old piece of furniture only fit for the ... neighbour's house, or his
man-servant, or his ox, or his ... us seek Jesus till he has whipped us clean out of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... which they put them into excellent form, and added to their bigness, glory, and
beauty, fit for stones ... And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm