A four-footed mammal related to the horse, common both in the wild and domesticated state in biblical times. The wild ass is portrayed most vividly in (Job 39:5-8). The domesticated ass appears as a basic item of a person’s property (Exod 22:8; Exod 22:9; Exod 23:4; Exod 23:5; Job 24:3; Luke 13:15) and is referred to as a means of transport for goods or people (2Sam 16:1-2). Balaam’s ass, which shows greater insight and loyalty than her master (Num 22:21-35), is probably the most famous ass in the Bible (2Pet 2:16). In the ancient Near East gods and kings were depicted as riding on asses (Zech 9:9; Matt 21:1-11).
