### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּרְדָּה (pirdâh, `{{H6506}}`) is the feminine form of פֶּרֶד (pered, `{{H6505}}`), both translating to "mule." A mule is a hybrid animal, the offspring of a male donkey (חֲמוֹר, chamor, `{{H2543}}`) and a female horse (סוּסָה, susah, related to `{{H5483}}`). Mules were highly valued in the ancient Near East for their strength, endurance, sure-footedness, and ability to carry heavy loads over difficult terrain. Unlike horses, they are known for their calm temperament and resistance to disease. The specific designation as "she-mule" (feminine) does not inherently alter the core characteristics of the animal but may emphasize its individual identity or specific role in a given context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פִּרְדָּה (pirdâh, `{{H6506}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Kings 1:33]]. This singular occurrence is, however, profoundly significant:
* **[[1 Kings 1:33]]**: "The king said to them, 'Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule and bring him down to Gihon.'"
* The context is the succession crisis towards the end of King David's reign. Adonijah, David's elder son, had attempted to usurp the throne. In response, David issues a direct command to ensure Solomon's legitimate anointing and public recognition as his successor.
* The instruction for Solomon to ride "my own mule" (הַפִּרְדָּה אֲשֶׁר לִי) is crucial. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, riding the king's personal animal was a powerful symbol of royal endorsement and the transfer of authority. It publicly signified that Solomon was not merely a claimant but the divinely and royally appointed heir. This act would immediately establish Solomon's legitimacy in the eyes of the people, effectively nullifying Adonijah's premature claim. The king's mule, a valuable and distinct animal, thus becomes an instrument of royal succession and political stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* פֶּרֶד (pered, `{{H6505}}`): The masculine form of "mule," appearing more frequently in the Old Testament. Examples include [[2 Samuel 18:9]] (Absalom caught in a tree while riding his mule), [[1 Kings 10:25]] (mules among gifts brought to Solomon), [[Isaiah 66:20]] (people brought to Jerusalem on mules), and [[Ezekiel 27:14]] (mules traded by Togarmah). These occurrences highlight the mule's common use as a riding animal and beast of burden.
* חֲמוֹר (chamor, `{{H2543}}`): Donkey or ass. Mules are a hybrid of donkeys, which were ubiquitous in Israel for everyday transport and labor.
* סוּס (sus, `{{H5483}}`): Horse. The other parent of a mule. Horses were often associated with military might, chariots, and royal pomp, though mules were preferred for riding in mountainous terrain due to their sure-footedness.
* Royal Succession and Authority: The use of the king's personal mount as a symbol of transferred authority is a recurring motif in ancient Near Eastern royal rituals and narratives, emphasizing the continuity of the dynastic line and the legitimacy of the new ruler.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of פִּרְדָּה (pirdâh, `{{H6506}}`) in [[1 Kings 1:33]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores the divine orchestration of Solomon's ascension to the throne, fulfilling God's promise to David regarding an enduring dynasty ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). David's explicit command for Solomon to ride "my own mule" transforms a practical act into a sacred, public declaration of divine appointment.
This act was not merely political maneuvering; it was an enactment of God's will. The mule, a seemingly mundane animal, becomes a vessel through which the divine plan for the Davidic kingdom unfolds. It demonstrates how God works through human actions, even specific instructions concerning an animal, to establish His chosen leader and ensure the continuation of His covenant promises. The legitimacy conferred by riding the king's mule served to prevent civil strife and solidify the kingdom under God's chosen successor, thereby maintaining order and fulfilling prophecy.
### Summary
The Hebrew term פִּרְדָּה (pirdâh, `{{H6506}}`), meaning "she-mule," appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[1 Kings 1:33]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant, as King David instructs that his son Solomon ride "my own mule" as a public sign of his legitimate succession to the throne. This act of riding the king's personal mount was a potent symbol of transferred authority and royal endorsement in the ancient Near East. Theologically, this event highlights the divine appointment of Solomon and the meticulous way in which God's promises regarding the Davidic dynasty were fulfilled, using even a specific animal to ensure the orderly and legitimate transfer of power. The pirdâh thus serves as a tangible link in the sacred narrative of Israel's monarchy, embodying themes of divine sovereignty, royal legitimacy, and covenant faithfulness.
TRV