Bible Dictionary
Mule
A mule is the hybrid offspring of a horse and a donkey. Although Israelites were forbidden to breed such hybrids, mules were used as riding and pack animals, especially by kings and nobles.
Definition
A mule is a hybrid animal, the offspring of a horse and a donkey. It is hardy, patient, sure-footed, and useful for riding and carrying loads. Israelite law forbade breeding such hybrids, but did not forbid their use.
Biblical Usage
Mules appear as riding animals for princes and kings, as beasts of burden, and among tribute brought to Solomon. Psalm 32 uses the mule as a familiar example in contrast with human beings who should exercise understanding.
Historical Background
Mules became common in David’s reign and were used especially by kings and prominent people. They are not mentioned in the New Testament, perhaps because they had ceased to be imported into Palestine.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(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.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>mul (peredh (1Ki 10:25; 18:5; Ezr 2:66; Isa 66:20; Zec 14:15), the feminine pirdah (1Ki 1:33,38,44), rekhesh, "swift steeds," the King James Version "mules" (Es 8:10,14), 'achashteranim, "used in the king's service," the King James Version "camels," the Revised Version margin "mules" (Es 8:10,14), yemim, "hot springs," the King James Version "mules" (Ge 36:24); hemionos, "half-ass," "mule" (1 Esdras 5:43; Judith 15:11)): Mules are mentioned as riding animals for princes (2Sa 13:29; 18:9; 1Ki 1:33,38,44); 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 Ps 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Alfred Ely Day</p>