Cows are mentioned several times in the Bible, often representing wealth, sustenance, or sacrifice. But beyond their agricultural significance, are there deeper spiritual lessons that can be learned from the way the Bible talks about cattle? Let’s explore what Scripture says about cows.
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What Does The Bible Say About Cows
Genesis 41:18
“Behold, in my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches. And as it was budding, its blossoms came out, and its clusters produced ripe grapes.”
This verse in Genesis does not directly mention cows, but it speaks of a dream that Joseph was interpreting for Pharaoh. However, the mention of a vine and ripe grapes can be seen as a metaphor for abundance and blessings, which can be related to the prosperity associated with cattle and livestock.
Genesis 45:17
“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan.'”
In this verse, Joseph is given instructions by Pharaoh to prepare his brothers for their journey back to Canaan. The mention of “beasts” implies the use of cattle, potentially cows, for transportation and carrying their belongings. It highlights the importance of cows as valuable assets for travel and labor.
Exodus 22:1
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”
This verse in Exodus deals with the consequences and restitution for theft. The inclusion of an ox as the stolen animal indicates its significance and value. In biblical times, oxen were commonly used for plowing, transportation, and as a source of wealth. The mention of cows reflects their importance in the economy and daily life of the people.
Leviticus 4:3
“If it is the anointed priest who sins, thus bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.”
Leviticus prescribes specific offerings and sacrifices for various sins and transgressions. In this verse, the anointed priest is instructed to bring a young bull without defect as a sin offering. The selection of a bull underscores its significance as a sacrificial animal, and its mention highlights the ritual practices involving cows in the religious and spiritual life of the Israelites.
Numbers 18:17
“But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall burn their fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”
Numbers outlines the regulations for the offerings and tithes given by the Israelites to the Levites. This verse emphasizes the sanctity of the firstborn animals, including cows. The blood of these animals is to be sprinkled on the altar as an act of worship and their fat is to be burned as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. It highlights the role of cows in the religious practices of the Israelite community.
Deuteronomy 7:13
“God will love you and bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you.”
This verse in Deuteronomy speaks of the blessings and prosperity that the Lord promises to the Israelites. Among these blessings is the increase of their herds, which includes cows. It reiterates the importance of cattle as a valuable source of wealth and abundance in the context of God’s covenant with His people.
Joshua 6:21
“And they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword.”
In this verse, the city of Jericho is destroyed by the Israelites as part of God’s command. The inclusion of oxen among the animals that were devoted to destruction demonstrates their presence in the city and further emphasizes their significance in the agricultural and economic life of the Canaanite civilization.
Judges 14:18
“So the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, ‘What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?’ And he said to them, ‘If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.'”
This verse in Judges is part of the story of Samson posing a riddle to the Philistines. The mention of a heifer being used for plowing highlights the role of cows in agricultural practices. It showcases their strength and usefulness in tilling the land.
Ruth 2:8
“Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.'”
In the book of Ruth, Boaz speaks to Ruth, allowing her to work in his fields and partake of the provisions. The mention of fields implies the presence of livestock, including cows that assist in agriculture. It emphasizes the connection between cows, farming, and sustenance.
1 Samuel 11:7
“He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, ‘Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!’ Then the dread of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out as one man.”
In this verse, Saul demonstrates his authority and leadership by using a yoke of oxen as a symbolic gesture. By threatening to do the same to the oxen of those who do not respond to his call, Saul mobilizes the people through fear and reverence for the Lord. It highlights the cultural significance of cows and their association with prestige and power.
2 Samuel 6:6
“And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.”
During the transportation of the ark of God, this verse recounts an incident where the oxen stumbled, causing Uzzah to reach out and touch the ark. This act resulted in his immediate death. The mention of oxen emphasizes their connection to a significant event and highlights the importance of handling sacred objects with utmost care and reverence.
1 Kings 19:19
“So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.”
This verse introduces Elisha, who later becomes a prophet. His occupation as a farmer, specifically plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, showcases the significance of cows in agricultural practices. It reveals the importance of cows as working animals in the daily lives of the people.
2 Chronicles 7:5
“King Solomon offered as a sacrifice 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.”
This verse highlights the grand dedication ceremony of the temple built by Solomon. The substantial number of oxen sacrificed emphasizes their role as offerings and their value in the act of worship. It showcases the magnitude of the event and the importance of cows in the religious practices of the Israelites.
Job 1:3
“His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.”
Job is renowned for his wealth and prosperity in this verse, and part of his possessions includes 500 yoke of oxen. These oxen symbolize his wealth and the significance of cows as valuable assets. It suggests the association between cows and abundance in biblical times.
Psalms 144:14
“May our cows be heavy with young, producing abundant offspring; may our sheep bear countless lambs, increasing by thousands in our fields;”
This verse in Psalms, although metaphorical, speaks of the desire for fertility and multiplication in the livestock. The reference to cows reflects their importance in the agricultural economy and the desire for prosperity associated with cattle and livestock.
Proverbs 14:4
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”
This proverb highlights the benefit of having oxen in agricultural practices. While the presence of oxen may bring challenges and require maintenance, their strength and contribution to labor result in abundant crops. It emphasizes the value of cows in farming and the role they play in sustaining livelihoods.
Ecclesiastes 10:9
“He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.”
Ecclesiastes uses metaphors related to labor and work in this verse. Although cows are not directly mentioned, the idea of using animals, specifically oxen, for tasks such as hauling stones or splitting logs, aligns with the historically practical uses of cows in heavy labor and contributes to the message of the passage.
Isaiah 11:7
“The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.”
Isaiah describes a vision of peaceful coexistence between various animals, including the cow and the bear. This imagery emphasizes harmony and highlights the presence of cows as naturally grazing and peaceful animals. It exemplifies the universal restoration and peace that is to come in the future.
Jeremiah 31:12
“They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.”
This verse in Jeremiah speaks of the restoration and rejoicing of God’s people. The mention of the young of the herd, which includes cows, signifies prosperity and abundance. It connects the blessings of the Lord to the flourishing of both human and animal life, highlighting the role of cows in the overall harmony and well-being of God’s creation.
Ezekiel 34:15
“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.”
In this verse, God declares Himself as the shepherd of His people. While the mention of sheep is prevalent, the inclusion of cows can be presumed as they often shared the same grazing pastures. It demonstrates God’s provision, guidance, and care for His people, including their livestock.
Hosea 4:16
“For Israel has strayed like a stubborn cow; now the LORD will graze them like a lamb in a broad pasture.”
Hosea uses the metaphor of a cow to describe Israel’s disobedience and stubbornness. Though the comparison is disapproving, it acknowledges the presence of cows in the daily life of the people, relating their behavior to the actions of livestock. It communicates the need for repentance and the promise of restoration.
Amos 4:1
“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!'”
Amos addresses the wealthy and influential women of Samaria as “cows of Bashan.” This metaphor criticizes their oppressive behavior and exploitation of the poor. Although the comparison may seem derogatory, it implies their significance and prominence within society, while urging them to use their power responsibly.
Zechariah 10:3
“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.”
Zechariah expresses God’s anger at the shepherds and leaders who have mistreated His flock. Although cows are not directly mentioned, their inclusion as part of the metaphorical flock represents their importance and their need for proper care. It conveys the divine concern for the well-being of the people and their livestock.
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.”
This verse in Malachi describes the coming of the Lord and the blessings that await those who fear His name. The image of calves leaping from the stall portrays a sense of joy, freedom, and vitality. It indirectly links the joy experienced by people to the vitality and energy associated with young cows.