Mule: (Heb. pered), so called from the quick step of the animal or its power
of carrying loads. It is not probable that the Hebrews bred mules, as
this was strictly forbidden in the law
(Leviticus 19:19) although their use
was not forbidden. We find them in common use even by kings and
nobles
(2 Samuel 18:9; 1 Kings 1:33; 2 Kings 5:17; Psalms 32:9) They are not mentioned,
however, till the time of David, for the word rendered "mules" (R.V.
correctly, "hot springs") in
(Genesis 36:24) (yemim) properly denotes the
warm springs of Callirhoe, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. In
David's reign they became very common
(2 Samuel 13:29; 1 Kings 10:25) Mules are
not mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps they had by that time
ceased to be used in Palestine.
