When used in contradistinction to man (Psalm 36:6 ), it denotes a brute creature generally, and when in contradistinction to creeping things (Leviticus 11:2-7; 27:26 ), a four-footed animal.
The Mosaic law required that beasts of labour should have rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10; 23:12 ), and in the Sabbatical year all cattle were allowed to roam about freely, and eat whatever grew in the fields (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:7 ). No animal could be castrated (Leviticus 22:24 ). Animals of different kinds were to be always kept separate (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:10 ). Oxen when used in threshing were not to be prevented from eating what was within their reach (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1co.9:9 ).
This word is used figuratively of an infuriated multitude (1 Corinthians 15:32; Acts 19:29; Compare Psalm 22:12,16; Ecclesiastes 3:18; Isaiah 11:6-8 ), and of wicked men (2 Peter 2:12 ). The four beasts of Daniel 7:3,17,23 represent four kingdoms or kings.