Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OX

(ANIMAL)

A castrated male bovine (Bos taurus) managed for traction, meat, hide, and other by-products. Breeds that have been identified in artistic and archaeological contexts include varieties of the Bos primigenius, Bos longifrons, and Bos indicus, the zebu or “humpback.” The fact that several Hebrew and Greek words are used for the ox suggests that a wide variety of breeds, sexes, grades, or uses existed (Heb. bāqār, ʾelep, pār, šôr; Gk. bous, taúros). Cattle domestication and management began no later than 6000 b.c. There is probably a link between the intensification of cattle raising and periods of sedentism or village life.

The ox was important in the agricultural societies of the biblical world. Castration tempered the aggressive nature of the ox and rendered its immense strength and endurance manageable. Care and control of the ox rested with its owner (e.g., Exod. 21:28-29), and there were rules of use and misuse. Tools and implements that channeled the power of the ox included goads, yoke-harnesses and ropes, plows, harrows, threshing sledges, and possibly large rotary querns or mills.

The investment of resources required to raise these animals made the ox very valuable. It is frequently mentioned as an indicator of wealth or an object of booty. Correspondingly, the ox is almost always listed first in sacrifice lists (e.g., Deut. 17:1; 2 Sam. 24:22). Apart from such expensive offerings, only the young or very old were probably harvested for meat and hides.

Mark Ziese

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OX

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)