The Hebrew word pirdâh, represented by H6506, is defined as a she-mule or mule. It is the feminine of פֶּרֶד. This term appears only 3 times in the Bible, across 3 unique verses, indicating a very specific and rare usage within a single narrative context.
All three occurrences of H6506 are found in the account of King David appointing Solomon as his successor. The king commands his servants to have Solomon ride upon "mine own mule" as a key part of the coronation procession to Gihon 1 Kings 1:33. This command is carried out by Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and other officials, who "caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule" 1 Kings 1:38. The act is so definitive that it is immediately reported as proof of Solomon's kingship, confirming that he was seen riding "the king's mule" 1 Kings 1:44.
Several related words provide a broader context for the role and symbolism of animals in scripture:
- H7392 râkab (to ride): This is the action directly associated with the mule in this narrative, as Solomon is caused to ride it 1 Kings 1:33. The term is also used for God, who is depicted as one who rideth upon the heaven Deuteronomy 33:26 and the clouds Isaiah 19:1.
- H5483 çûwç (a horse): Often associated with military strength, the horse is an animal that nations trust in for battle Isaiah 31:1. Scripture contrasts this with trusting in God, who can render the horse and its rider useless Exodus 15:1 and for whom the horse is prepared for battle, but safety comes from the LORD Proverbs 21:31.
- H7390 rak (tender; weak): This adjective is used by David to describe his son Solomon as "young and tender" 1 Chronicles 22:5. The same word is used to describe a "soft" answer that turns away wrath Proverbs 15:1 or a state of weakness 2 Samuel 3:39.
The theological weight of H6506 is concentrated on the transfer of power and the nature of kingship.
- Symbol of Royal Succession: The animal is not just any mule, but specifically "king David's mule" 1 Kings 1:38. Having Solomon ride it was an unambiguous public declaration that David's royal authority was being passed to his chosen heir.
- Peaceful Kingship: The use of a mule, a domestic animal, instead of a horse H5483 signifies a rule established by divine anointing rather than by military force. This act distinguishes Solomon's ascension as one of peace, which is consistent with the depiction of a future just king riding H7392 upon an ass Zechariah 9:9.
- Instrument of Anointing: The ride upon the mule is a central element in a sacred ceremony, performed by the kingdom's highest religious and military authorities 1 Kings 1:44. The animal itself becomes an instrument in the consecration of the new king.
In summary, H6506 pirdâh refers to a she-mule, but its biblical significance is far greater than its simple definition. Its exclusive use in the story of Solomon's coronation elevates it to a powerful symbol of the peaceful and legitimate transfer of royal authority. By being the chosen mount for the new king, the mule represents a kingship founded on divine will and civil order, in contrast to the war horse, which represents worldly power and conquest.
TRV