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Biblical Hermeneutics

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    Also, to ride on an untrained animal in that way demonstrates more than natural ability. Animals have to be broken in before they are ridden. Commented Dec 9, 2025 at 11:30
  • Great point! In both ancient times and today, animals such as donkeys, horses, and mules generally need to be broken in or trained before they can safely carry a rider. Successfully riding an untrained or young animal requires skill beyond ordinary riding—such as balance, anticipation, and calmness amid a crowd or chaotic environment. This is indeed more than mere “natural ability”; it demonstrates practice, coordination, and authority over the animal. Commented Dec 9, 2025 at 18:05
  • Jesus, an approximately 33-year-old male, would have been relatively heavy for a young colt; carrying an adult male would be challenging (cf. Luke 19:35 where disciples helped Jesus mount onto the young donkey). A young donkey or colt is typically around 3–4 years old and roughly the size of a medium pony or large dog. It was likely small, untrained, and light—making Jesus’ ride a striking demonstration of skill, composure, and purposeful mastery. Commented Dec 9, 2025 at 21:22
  • In modern terms, it’s like a grown man—say, a governor—trying to ride a young, untested pony through a crowded city parade instead of the horse accompanying. Even an experienced rider must carefully balance, anticipate the animal’s moves, and remain calm amid the chaos. It’s not merely ‘riding’; it’s skill, control, and poise under pressure. Though, this illustrative analogy is imperfect to the sacred, profound description of the Triumphal Entry. Commented Dec 9, 2025 at 22:33
  • The point I was making is that it is beyond the natural - providential, if not even supernatural. Commented Dec 10, 2025 at 0:30