Topical Encyclopedia The wild-ass, known scientifically as Equus hemionus or Equus africanus, is a creature mentioned several times in the Bible, symbolizing freedom, untamed nature, and sometimes desolation. In the ancient Near East, the wild-ass was a familiar sight, known for its independence and ability to thrive in harsh desert environments. The Hebrew term for wild-ass is "pere" (פֶּרֶא), and it is often used in Scripture to convey themes of liberty and wilderness.Biblical References: 1. Job 39:5-8 : "Who set the wild donkey free? Who released the swift donkey from the harness? I made the wilderness his home and the salt flats his dwelling. He scorns the tumult of the city and never hears the shouts of a driver. He roams the mountains for pasture, searching for any green thing." In this passage, God speaks to Job, highlighting the wild-ass as a creature of divine creation, living beyond human control and thriving in the wilderness. The wild-ass is depicted as a symbol of freedom, unbound by the constraints of human society. 2. Jeremiah 2:24 : "A wild donkey at home in the wilderness, she sniffs the wind in the heat of her desire. Who can restrain her when she is in heat? None who seek her need weary themselves; in her month they will find her." Here, the wild-ass is used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness and pursuit of idolatry. The imagery of the wild-ass in heat conveys a sense of uncontrollable desire and waywardness. 3. Hosea 8:9 : "For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey on its own. Ephraim has hired lovers." The wild-ass is again used as a metaphor for Israel's rebellious and independent spirit, highlighting their alliances with foreign nations instead of relying on God. 4. Genesis 16:12 : "He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." This prophecy concerning Ishmael, the son of Hagar and Abraham, uses the wild-ass to symbolize a life of conflict and independence, living outside the bounds of settled society. Symbolism and Themes: The wild-ass in biblical literature often represents themes of freedom, untamed nature, and rebellion. Its ability to survive in desolate areas without human intervention makes it a powerful symbol of independence and self-sufficiency. In prophetic and poetic texts, the wild-ass is frequently used to illustrate the spiritual state of Israel or individuals who have strayed from God's path, emphasizing their stubbornness and resistance to divine authority. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the wild-ass was a well-known animal, admired for its speed and resilience. It was often associated with the desert and wilderness, regions considered beyond the reach of civilization. The wild-ass's characteristics made it an apt metaphor for describing both the positive aspects of freedom and the negative aspects of rebellion and isolation from God. The wild-ass serves as a reminder of the balance between freedom and submission to divine will, illustrating the consequences of living outside the boundaries set by God. Its presence in Scripture calls believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and relationship with God, urging them to seek the freedom found in obedience and faithfulness. Strong's Hebrew 6501. pere -- a wild donkey... wild ass. Or pereh (Jeremiah 2:24) {peh'-reh}; from para' in the secondary sense of running wild; the onager -- wild (ass). see HEBREW para'. 6500, 6501. ... /hebrew/6501.htm - 6k 6167. arad -- a wild donkey 6171. arod -- a wild donkey Library On the Animals The Creator's Joy in his Creation Psalm CIV. Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ... "The Lord Hath Need of Him. " Mark xi, 3 Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ... The Evil one Perceived his Great Humiliation, and Boasted Himself ... Chapter xvi The Potter and the Clay Thesaurus Wild-ass (1 Occurrence)Wild-ass. Wild, Wild-ass. Wild-cats . Multi-Version Concordance Wild-ass (1 Occurrence). Genesis 16:12 And he will be ... /w/wild-ass.htm - 6k Ishmael (44 Occurrences) Ass (95 Occurrences) Onager (1 Occurrence) Loosed (41 Occurrences) Bands (130 Occurrences) One's (59 Occurrences) Loweth (1 Occurrence) Wild-cats (2 Occurrences) Irad (1 Occurrence) Resources What are revellings in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the KJV Bible mention the unicorn? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the church has been grafted in Israel's place? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wild-ass (1 Occurrence)Genesis 16:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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