Bible Dictionary
Ass
The ass was a common beast of burden, riding, farming, and trade in biblical lands. Scripture also uses the domestic and wild ass as figures of peace, humility, burden-bearing, and untamed independence; Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a colt.
Biblical Usage
The ass is associated with peaceful and humble pursuits, in contrast with the horse’s association with war. Issachar is compared with a strong ass, and the law forbade yoking an ass with an ox. Zechariah portrays the Messiah as riding upon an ass and its colt, fulfilled in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The wild ass represents swiftness, independence, or wildness.
Scripture References
Genesis 12:16
Genesis 45:23
Numbers 22:23
1 Samuel 9:3
Genesis 49:14
Deuteronomy 22:10
Judges 10:4
Judges 12:14
Genesis 32:15
Genesis 49:11
Job 11:12
Isaiah 30:6
Leviticus 11:26
2 Kings 6:25
Genesis 30:43
1 Chronicles 27:30
Job 1:3
Job 42:12
Isaiah 1:3
Genesis 22:3
Numbers 22:21
1 Kings 13:23
Exodus 4:20
1 Samuel 25:30
Matthew 21:5
Job 39:5
Daniel 5:21
Job 39:6-8
Job 6:5
Isaiah 32:14
Jeremiah 2:24
Jeremiah 14:6
Genesis 16:12