Cattle

Cattle in Scripture encompass the domesticated bovine animals (oxen, cows, and calves) that formed the backbone of ancient Israelite agricultural and sacrificial life. They were used for plowing, threshing, and transportation, and their ownership was a primary index of wealth (Job 1:3; Psalm 144:14). Under Mosaic law, oxen and other cattle were central to the sacrificial system: the burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering all permitted or required cattle (Leviticus 1:2–5; Numbers 7). The commandment forbidding muzzling an ox while it treads out grain (Deuteronomy 25:4) was later applied by Paul to the right of ministers to receive material support (1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18). The Psalmist's declaration that the cattle on a thousand hills belong to God (Psalm 50:10) asserts divine ownership of all creation.