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Der naturen bloeme - Jacob van Maerlant - KB KA 16 - folios 046v (left) and 047r (right)Jacob van Maerlant · 1350–00

Bull

פַּר/BOOL/

“Young bull, steer”

Summary

A mature male bovine, significant in sacrificial worship and as a symbol of strength.

☩Sacrificial Use

Bulls were among the most valuable sacrificial animals. A young bull was offered for the sin of a priest or the whole congregation. Bulls were offered at the consecration of priests, the dedication of the tabernacle, and major festivals.

Key verses:Leviticus 4:3-12Numbers 7:87-881 Kings 8:63

☩Symbol of Strength

The bull represented strength and power. Jacob blessed Joseph with the firstborn of his bull, symbolizing majesty. The psalmist describes enemies surrounding him like strong bulls of Bashan, and prophetic imagery uses bulls to represent powerful nations.

Key verses:Deuteronomy 33:17Psalm 22:12Isaiah 34:7

Related Verses11 mentions

Psalms· 3 verses

22:1250:1368:30

Isaiah· 2 verses

34:751:20

Hebrews· 2 verses

9:1310:4

Jeremiah· 2 verses

50:1152:20

See Also

Der naturen bloeme - Jacob van Maerlant - KB KA 16 - folios 046v (left) and 047r (right)
Bullock
Der naturen bloeme - Jacob van Maerlant - KB KA 16 - folios 046v (left) and 047r (right)
Cattle
Offerings
Offerings

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bull," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bull," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).