Mule
MULE
A mixed animal, the offspring of a horse and an ass. A mule is smaller than a horse, and has long ears, though not so long as those of an ass. It is a remarkably hardy, patient, obstinate, surefooted animal, lives twice as long as a horse, and is much more easily and cheaply fed. Mules are much used in Spain and South America, for transporting goods across the mountains. So also in the Alps, they are used by travelers among the mountains, where a horse would hardly be able to pass with safety. There is no probability that the Jews bred mules, because it was forbidden to couple creatures of different species, Lev 19:19 . But they were not forbidden to obtain them from abroad and use them, 1Ki 10:25 Eze 27:14 . Thus we may observe, especially after David’s time, that mules, male and female, were common among the Hebrews; formerly they used only male and female asses, 2Sa 13:29 18:9 1Ki 1:33 10:25 18:5 Gen 8:10,14 .In Gen 36:24, Anah is said to have found “mules” in the desert; but the Hebrew word here probably means hot springs. See ANAH.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Mule
See Monkey
Fuente: Plants Animals Of Bible
Mule
(, pe’red, 2Sa 13:29; and often elsewhere; fem. , piirdah’, 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; so called from their quick pace, or from carrying loads; but , rekesh, Est 8:10; Est 8:14, denotes a steed or nobler horse; “swift beast” in Mic 1:13; “dromedary” in 1Ki 4:28), a hybrid animal, the offspring of a horse and an ass (comp. Varro, De re rustica, 2:8; Pliny, 8:69; Colum. 6:36; AEsop, Fab. 140; AElian, Anim. 12:16; Strabo, 5:212). Of this animal there are two kinds: one is the produce of a he-ass with a mare; the other the produce of a she-ass and a stallion. The former is the mule, commonly so called. That in respect to swiftness the hybrid between the ass and the mare is much superior to the hybrid between the horse and the sheass is abundantly attested (Aristot. Rhetor. 3:2; Pliny, Hist. Nat. 8:44, etc.), which is in favor of Bochart’s hypothesis that mules are meant by the ., A.V. “camels” of Est 8:10; Est 8:14. SEE CAMEL.
A mule is smaller than a horse, and is a remarkably hardy, patient, obstinate, sure-footed animal, living ordinarily twice as long as a horse. These animals are mostly sterile; as distinct species of animals do not freely intermix their breed, and hybrid animals do not propagate their kind beyond at most a very few generations, and no real hybrid races are perpetuated. The claim of Anah, son of Zibeon, to the discovery of breeding mules, as asserted in the Talmuds, may be regarded as an expression of national vanity (see Bochart, Hieroz. 1:221 sq.; Dougtaei Anal. 1:41 sq.). It rests on Gen 36:24, where , yenzim’, is rendered mules; but it more probably means water meaning the warm springs of Callirrhoe on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea.’ SEE ANAH.
There is no probability that the Hebrews bred mules, because it was expressly forbidden by the Mosaic law to couple animals of different species (Lev 19:19). But they were not forbidden to use them (Philo, Opp. 2:307); and we find under the monarchy that mules were common among the Hebrews (see also Josephus, Life, 26), and they were probably known much earlier. Even the kings and most distinguished nobles were accustomed to ride upon mules (and apparently they only), although at first they used only male and female asses (2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; 1Ki 18:5; 2Ki 5:17; 2Ch 9:24; Psa 32:9). “It is an interesting fact that we do not read of mules till the time of David (as to the yenzim, A.V. ‘mules,’ of Gen 36:24, see above), just at the time when the Israelites were becoming well acquainted with horses. After this time horses and mules are in Scripture often mentioned together. After the first half of David’s reign, as Michaelis (Comment. on Laws of Moses, 2:477) observes, they became all at once very common. In Ezr 2:66, Neh 7:68, we read of two hundred and forty-five mules; in 2Sa 13:29, ‘all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule.’ Absalom rode on a mule in the battle of the wood of Ephraim, at the time when the animal went away from under him, and so caused his death. Mules were among the presents which were brought year by year to Solomon (1Ki 10:25).
From the above-cited Levitical law we must suppose that the mules were imported, unless the Jews became subsequently less strict in their observance of the ceremonial injunctions, and bred their mules. We learn from Ezekiel (Eze 27:14) that the Tyrians, after the time of Solomon, were’ supplied with both horses and mules from Armenia (Togarmah), which country was celebrated for its good horses (see Strabo, 11:13, 7, ed. Kramer; comp. also Xenoph. Anab. 4:5, 36; Herod. 7:40). Michaelis conjectures that the Israelites first became acquainted with mules in the war which David carried on with the king of Nisibis (Zobah) (2Sa 8:3-4). In Solomon’s time it is possible that mules from Egypt occasionally accompanied the horses which we know the king of Israel obtained from that country; for though the mule is not of frequent occurrence on the monuments of Egypt (Wilkinson’s Anc. Egypt. 1:386 [Lond. 1854]), yet it is not easy to believe that the Egyptians were not well acquainted with this animal. That a friendship existed between Solomon and Pharaoh is clear from 1Ki 9:16, as well as from the fact of Solomon having married the daughter of the king of Egypt; but after Shishak came to the throne a very different spirit prevailed between the two kingdoms: perhaps, therefore, from this date mules were obtained from Armenia.” In latter times (eventually, at all events) the Hebrews appear to have obtained the more valuable mules from Assyria and Persia (Isa 66:20; Est 8:10; Est 8:14; comp. Ctes. Pers. 44; see Host, Marohk, page 292). We do not read of mules at all in the N.T.; perhaps, therefore, they had ceased to be imported. SEE HORSE.
Mules are represented on some of the ancient Assyrian bass-reliefs; they are seen in procession, belonging to a captured people (Layard’s Nineveh, 2:323, 324). They were also ridden in battle and by kings (ibid. 2d ser. pages 446, 449). There are various breeds of mules in Syria. Some very beautiful animals are produced from high-blood Arab mares, but they are few in number, and can only be possessed by the wealthy. Burckhardt states that the breed of the Baalbek mules is highly esteemed, and that he had seen some which were worth from thirty to five-and-thirty pounds (Trav. 1:57). The more ordinary sort of mules, which are capable of carrying heavy loads, are employed in the caravans; and they are of great service for the mill and waterwheels. The domestic trade with the maritime towns and the mountains is not only carried on chiefly by mule caravans, but they are sent even to Erzerum, Constantinople, and other remote towns (Russell, Aleppo, 2:50 sq.). In these caravans the male travellers are mounted on mules lightly laden, generally the mere personal luggage of the rider. Persons of rank travel in a kind of litter, carried by two mules. Within the towns, and in short excursions, asses are generally preferred, and the mules bear the luggage. In modern times the breeding of mules in Southern Europe and Western Asia has been greatly increased. Those of Persia are described as of large size, and of amazing strength and power of endurance. They will travel the stony and steep roads over rocky mountains, day after day, at the rate of from twenty-five to fifty miles per diem, loaded with a weight of 300 pounds. They require more food than the horse. The muleteers never remove the pack-saddles from their backs, except when cleaning or currying them. If the men find that the back has been galled, they take away some of the stuffing from the pack-saddle, where it presses on the sore part, and then put the saddle on again, experience having taught them that such sores, unless healed under the saddle, are apt to break out again. See Ugolino, De re rustica Hebr., in his Thesaur. 29, part 4, 10; Bochart, Hieroz. 1:209 sq.; Robinson, Researches, passim. See Ass.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Mule
(Heb. pered), so called from the quick step of the animal or its power of carrying loads. It is not probable that the Hebrews bred mules, as this was strictly forbidden in the law (Lev. 19:19), although their use was not forbidden. We find them in common use even by kings and nobles (2 Sam. 18:9; 1 Kings 1:33; 2 Kings 5:17; Ps. 32:9). They are not mentioned, however, till the time of David, for the word rendered “mules” (R.V. correctly, “hot springs”) in Gen. 36:24 (yemim) properly denotes the warm springs of Callirhoe, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. In David’s reign they became very common (2 Sam. 13:29; 1 Kings 10:25).
Mules are not mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps they had by that time ceased to be used in Palestine.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Mule
1. Pered. Not mentioned until David’s time, when Israel became more familiar with horses (1Ch 12:40; 2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9). Used for riding only by persons of rank (1Ki 1:33). As breeding from different species was forbidden (Lev 19:19), mules must have been imported. An Egyptian monument from Thebes in British Museum represents them yoked to a chariot. The people of Togarmah (Armenia) brought them to Tyre for barter (Eze 27:14). They were part of the “presents” from “the kings of the earth” to Solomon, “a rate year by year” (2Ch 9:23-24). In these ways they came into Palestine (1Ki 18:5). In Ezr 2:66; Neh 7:68. the mules on the return from Babylon amounted to 245; but the horses about three times as many, 736; so that the mule was then, as we find in the Greek classics, rarer and more precious.
2. Rechesh is translated “mules,” Est 8:10; Est 8:14; but in 1Ki 4:28 “DROMEDARIES” Mic 1:13, “swift beasts.” (See CAMEL.)
3. Yeemim. Gen 36:24 translated rather “Anah that found the hot springs,” so the Vulgate version; the Samaritan text has “the Emim.” Callirrhoe in the wady Zerka Maein is thought to be Anah’s hot springs.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Mule
MULE.
(1) pered (m.) and pirdh (f.)in all passages except three.
(2) rekesh, RV [Note: Revised Version.] swift steeds (Est 8:10; Est 8:14). The tr. [Note: translate or translation.] swift is purely conjectural.
(3) ymm, Gen 36:24, where mules is certainly a mistranslation; RV [Note: Revised Version.] hot springs.
The breeding of mules was forbidden to the Israelites (Lev 19:19), but from Davids time (2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9) onwards (1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 10:25; 1Ki 18:5) they appear to have been increasingly used. The returning Israelites brought 245 mules with them (Ezr 2:66). Mules are preferred in Palestine to-day as pack animals (cf. 1Ch 12:40, 2Ki 5:17). they are hardier, subsist on less food, and travel better on rough roads. A well-trained mule is a favourite riding animal with the highest officials in the land.
E. W. G. Masterman.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Mule
mul (, peredh 1Ki 10:25; 1Ki 18:5; Ezr 2:66; Isa 66:20; Zec 14:15, the feminine , pirdah 1Ki 1:33, 1Ki 1:38, 1Ki 1:44, , rekhesh, swift steeds, the King James Version mules Est 8:10, Est 8:14, , ‘ahashteranim, used in the king’s service, the King James Version camels, the Revised Version margin mules Est 8:10, Est 8:14, , yemim, hot springs, the King James Version mules Gen 36:24; , hemonos, half-ass, mule (1 Esd 5:43; Judith 15:11)): Mules are mentioned as riding animals for princes 2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33, 1Ki 1:38, 1Ki 1:44; in the tribute brought to Solomon 2Ch 9:24; as beasts of burden 2Ki 5:17; 1Ch 12:40; horses and mules are obtained from the house of Togarmah in the distant north Eze 27:14. The injunction of Psa 32:9, Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding, need not be understood as singling out the horse and mule as more in need of guidance than the rest of the brute creation, but rather as offering familiar examples to contrast with man who should use his intelligence.
At the present day mules are used as pack animals and for drawing freight wagons, rarely for riding. One does not often see in Palestine mules as large and fine as are common in Europe and America. This may be because most of the mares and many of the donkeys are small.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Mule
1. pered. The first reference to this animal is in the time of David: his sons rode upon mules. David had his own mule, upon which Solomon was made to ride when he was proclaimed king. Mules were among the animals that were brought as presents by the nations to Solomon. They were also imported to Tyre. It would appear from Lev 19:19 that the Israelites were forbidden to breed them. 2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; 1Ki 10:25; Psa 32:9; Isa 66:20; Eze 27:14; Zec 14:15.
2. rekesh. This was probably a swift horse on which despatches were sent. Est 8:10; Est 8:14. The word is once translated ‘dromedary,’ 1Ki 4:28; and once ‘swift beast.’ Mic 1:13.
3. yemim. This is acknowledged to be wrongly rendered in the A.V.: it is translated ‘hot springs,’ by the Revisers and others. Gen 36:24.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Mule
Uses of:
– For royal riders
2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38
– Ridden by posts
Est 8:10; Est 8:14
– Ridden by saints in Isaiah’s prophetic vision of the kingdom of Christ
Isa 66:20
– As pack animals
2Ki 5:17; 1Ch 12:40
Tribute paid in
1Ki 10:25
Used in barter
Eze 27:14
Used by the captivity in returning from Babylon
Ezr 2:66; Neh 7:68
Used in war
Zec 14:15
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Mule
Mule. A hybrid animal, the offspring of a horse and an ass. “The mule is smaller than the horse, and is a remarkably hardy, patient, obstinate, sure-footed animal, living, ordinarily, twice as long as a horse.” — McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia. It was forbidden to the Israelites to breed mules, but sometimes, they imported them. It would appear that only kings and great men rode on mules. We do not read of mules at all, in the New Testament; perhaps, therefore, they had ceased to be imported.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Mule
, 2Sa 13:29; 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 10:25, &c. A
mongrel kind of quadruped, between the horse and the ass. Its form bears a considerable resemblance to the last mentioned animal; but in its disposition it is rather vicious and intractable; so that its obstinacy has become a proverb. With this creature the early ages were probably unacquainted. It is very certain the Jews did not breed mules, because it was forbidden them to couple together two creatures of different species, Lev 19:19. But they were not prohibited the making use of them: thus we find in David’s time that they had become very common, and made up a considerable part of the equipage of princes, 2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; 1Ki 10:25; 2Ch 9:24.
Fuente: Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Mule
Gen 36:24 (c) If this word is correctly understood, then there is a wonderful lesson to be found in this passage. Mules were found in the wilderness because the asses had been mingling with the horses and producing these fine work animals while it was all unknown to the owners. It is the story of “unearned increment.” It is the story of GOD granting rich blessing and increase without our definite planning or knowledge. GOD does this for His children frequently.
2Sa 18:9 (c) In this story we see a picture of the disappointment which comes to those who trust in human devices and rest their hopes on earthly provisions. Absalom had hoped to use the mule either to carry him to victory, or else to carry him to safety. He was disappointed in both cases, and the mule became the means of his death. It is a warning to us not to place our confidence in any means or methods provided by earth’s resources. The animal represents any doctrine, or theory, or religion which is man-made, and on which one often depends for salvation and deliverance. It will fail us in the hour of need.