Animals of the Bible · Hills · Domestic
The Camel
The ship of the desert and the patient traveler of Bible times
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Matthew 19:24
- Where it lived
- The wilderness of Paran, the caravan roads to Egypt and the hills of Canaan
- What it reminds us of
- Patience, steadiness on long journeys and tireless service
Stories from Scripture
The Camel in the stories of the Bible
Rebekah and Abraham’s servant
Abraham’s camels and Rebekah’s kindness
Abraham’s servant traveled with ten camels, looking for a faithful wife for Isaac. He prayed that the right girl would be the one who would give a drink not only to him, but also to his tired camels. Rebekah gladly drew water from the well for all the animals, showing a generous heart full of love.
Genesis 24:10-20The wise men from the East
The journey of the wise men from the East
The wise men from the East crossed wide deserts on camels, guided by a shining star, to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the child Jesus in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:1-11Jesus Christ
The camel and the eye of the needle
Jesus used the picture of the camel to remind us that earthly riches cannot save us by themselves: what is impossible for people is possible for God.
Matthew 19:24-26
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
A camel can drink more than 100 liters of water in just 10 minutes and can travel for days through the desert without suffering from thirst.
Its long double eyelashes, together with nostrils that can close tightly, protect it perfectly from violent sandstorms.
Its wide, soft feet work like special cushions, keeping the animal from sinking into the hot dunes.
What the camel teaches us
Patience and hard work get across any desert
The camel moves forward step by step, however long and dry the road. God wants us to have a steady faith too, without complaining when we have hard tasks to carry out.
How we can live this out today
When you have hard homework or a boring chore, do not give up! Do it with patience and cheerfulness, and God will reward you.
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the camel?
Who gladly drew water from the well for ten thirsty camels?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
Why is it important to finish hard tasks without complaining? How can we be a help in the family, like Rebekah?
“Lord, give me patience and strength to go forward with joy on the road of what is good. Teach me to be hard-working and to help the people around me! Amen.”