Overview
The ox held significant importance in ancient Israel's economy and religious life. These animals were primarily used for plowing fields, threshing grain, and pulling carts. They also served as sacrificial animals and provided meat and hides for daily needs. Scripture frequently references oxen in both literal and figurative contexts.
Key Scriptures
"His glory is like the firstling of his bullock: and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth" (Deuteronomy 33:17, KJV).
"Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn" (1 Corinthians 9:9, KJV), illustrating God's concern for caring for those who labor.
"As a lamb that is brought to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb; so he opened not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7, ESV) uses ox and lamb imagery for Christ's sacrifice.
Application
Reflect on how God values faithful labor and provision, and recognize Christ as the ultimate sacrifice foreshadowed by Old Testament animal offerings.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 123 verses
(At grass,) of the luxurious Chaldees
(Engaged in husbandry,) of Ministers
(Fair,) of the beauty and wealth of Egypt
(Fatted,) of greedy mercenaries
(Firstling of,) of the glory of Joseph
(In a net,) of the impatient under judgment
(Lean,) of years of scarcity
(Led to slaughter,) of a rash youth
(Led to slaughter,) of saints under persecution
(Not muzzled in treading corn,) of Minister's right to support
(Of three years old,) of Moab in affliction
(Prepared for a feast,) of the provision of the gospel
(Sliding back,) of backsliding Israel
(Stall fed,) of sumptuous living
(Taught, &c) of Israel's fondness for ease in preference to obedience
(Unaccustomed to the yoke,) of intractable sinners
(well favoured,) of years of plenty
Beautiful
Bull
Bullock
Carrying burdens
Cow
Custom of sending the pieces of, to collect the people to war
Drawing wagons &c
Earing the ground
Fallen under its burden to be raised up again
Fat of, not to be eaten
Food
Formed a part of the patriarchal wealth
Formed a part of the wealth of Israel in Egypt
Formed a part of the wealth of the Jews
Goes to the slaughter unconscious
Heifer
Herdmen appointed over
Horns and hoofs of, alluded to
If stolen to be restored double
In stalls
In the valleys
Increase of, promised
Killing a man, to be stoned
Lowing of, alluded to
Male firstlings of, belonged to God
Mode of reparation for one, killing another
Not to be muzzled when treading out the corn
Not to be yoked with an ass in the same plough
Not without sagacity
Of a beloved wife
Of fierce enemies
Of others if lost or hurt through neglect, to be made good
Of others not to be coveted
Of proud and wealthy rules
Often found wild
Often given as a present
Often stall-fed for slaughter
On the hills
Ploughing
Publicly sold
Rapid manner of collecting its food alluded to
Required great care and attention
Sacrifice
Sea of brass rested on figures of
Straying to be brought back to its owner
Strong
The wicked often took, in pledge from the poor
Tithe of, given to the priests
To rest on the Sabbath
Treading out the corn
Urged on by the goad
Was clean and fit for food
With corn
With grass
With straw
Young of, considered a great delicacy