Animals of the Bible · Hills · Domestic
The Ox
The Ox — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Isaiah 1:3
- Where it lived
- The “hills” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Ox in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Ox in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Ox in Scripture
“The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know.” God praises the ox’s attachment and obedience to its owner, showing that we should be even more faithful to our heavenly Father.
Isaiah 1:3The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the ox
In the vision of God’s glory, the face of an ox stands for patient strength and faithful service, qualities that God values in His servants.
Ezekiel 1:10
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
The ox was the strongest helper in the work of the field in Israel; God even put a law of kindness in the Bible: “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn” (1 Corinthians 9:9).
In Bible times, the ox 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 ox?
3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the ox teaches us
The Ox in Scripture
The ox was indispensable in everyday life — it plowed the ground, carried loads and served faithfully. God gives us the ox as an example of patience, strength put at the service of good, and thankfulness to our heavenly Master.
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 ox?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the ox?
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.”