Donkeys in Genesis
By Peter Leithart
A student of mine, Luke Jankovic, tracing the motif of “donkeys” in Genesis, came up with a couple of interesting angles. First, he noted that Abram first acquires donkeys in Egypt in Genesis 12, a proto-plundering of Egypt. And in this context the donkeys are involved in a dowry paid to Abram by Pharaoh. Later, Abram himself gives donkeys to Rebekah’s father. From a receiver of donkeys, Abram becomes a giver of donkeys. And when he gives donkeys he proves himself an equal of Pharaoh.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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