Animals of the Bible · Hills · Domestic
The Mule
The Mule — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- 1 Kings 1:38
- Where it lived
- The “hills” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Mule in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Mule in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Mule in Scripture
“…and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.” Solomon rode the mule on the way to his crowning, the noble animal being a symbol of peace and of the quiet reign of a faithful king.
1 Kings 1:38The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the mule
“…and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak.” Absalom’s tragedy shows that human pride falls when someone rises up against God’s will.
2 Samuel 18:9
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
Mules were known for their sure steps on the rocky, steep paths of Jerusalem, and rulers preferred them for travel in times of peace.
In Bible times, the mule was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.
Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.
From the Holy Scriptures
What do we read in the Bible about the mule?
38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.
9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the mule teaches us
The Mule in Scripture
The mule was the royal animal of ancient Israel — kings rode mules in times of peace, not war horses. Solomon was anointed king riding David’s mule, showing that true greatness is shown through peace and justice, not warlike force.
How we can live this out today
Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the mule?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the mule?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”