### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pered**, represented by `{{H6505}}`, is the term for a **mule**. The base definition suggests this name may come from its lonely habits. It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses**, making it a notable but not overly common term in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, the **mule** `{{H6505}}` is consistently portrayed as a valuable animal used for transport and as a symbol of wealth. Mules are ridden by prominent figures, such as when the king's **sons** `{{H1121}}` fled upon their mules [[2 Samuel 13:29]], and most famously when Absalom **rode** `{{H7392}}` a **mule** under a **great** `{{H1419}}` **oak** `{{H424}}`, leading to his death [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. They were also listed alongside **horses** `{{H5483}}`, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, and **gold** `{{H2091}}` as items of tribute brought to the king **year** `{{H8141}}` by **year** `{{H8141}}` [[1 Kings 10:25]]. Mules also served as beasts of burden, as when Naaman requested two **mules**' **burden** `{{H4853}}` of **earth** `{{H127}}` [[2 Kings 5:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other terms for animals are often found in context with the **mule**, highlighting its role among other beasts of burden and signs of wealth:
* `{{H5483}}` **sus** (horse): The **horse** is the most frequent companion to the **mule** in scripture, often listed together as assets [[1 Kings 18:5]] or as animals that lack **understanding** `{{H995}}` [[Psalms 32:9]].
* `{{H2543}}` **chamowr** (ass): This term for a male **ass** appears with **mules** in lists of provisions and livestock, such as the supplies brought for **joy** `{{H8057}}` in **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:40]] and in a prophecy of a future **plague** `{{H4046}}` [[Zechariah 14:15]].
* `{{H1581}}` **gâmâl** (camel): A **camel** is another significant animal for transport and wealth. Camels are mentioned with **mules** as part of a large caravan bringing **bread** `{{H3899}}` and other food [[1 Chronicles 12:40]] and are also included in the plague described in [[Zechariah 14:15]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6505}}` carries several distinct thematic implications in scripture.
* **Status and Wealth:** Mules are counted as valuable assets alongside precious metals and spices, signifying their role in royal tribute and trade ([[1 Kings 10:25]], [[2 Chronicles 9:24]]). The inventories in Ezra and Nehemiah specifically count the number of mules, highlighting their importance to the community's wealth [[Ezra 2:66]].
* **Metaphor for Stubbornness:** In a direct moral lesson, the **mule** is used as an example of an animal with no **understanding** `{{H995}}` that must be controlled by a **bit** `{{H4964}}` and **bridle** `{{H7448}}`, warning against being similarly stubborn toward God [[Psalms 32:9]].
* **Instrument of Divine Events:** The **mule** is not merely a passive animal but is involved in significant events. It is the **mule** that **went away** `{{H5674}}` from under Absalom, leaving him to be caught in the **oak** `{{H424}}` and killed [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. It is also among the animals specified to be struck by the **plague** `{{H4046}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Zechariah 14:15]].
### Summary
In summary, the word **pered** `{{H6505}}` designates the **mule** as an animal of considerable importance in the biblical world. It functions literally as a mount for royalty and a beast of burden for goods and trade. Figuratively, it serves as a powerful symbol of wealth, a key element in historical turning points, and a poignant metaphor for the human tendency toward stubbornness that requires divine control.
TRV