An ox (plural oxen), also known as a bullock in Australia and India, is a bovine trained as a draft animal. Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle; castration makes the animals easier to control. Cows (adult females) or bulls (intact males) may also be used in some areas.
Most of the references in the Old Testament refer to Ox/Oxen being used as sacrifices and/or work animals. They are also used in prophecy.
The Lord Jesus spoke of the oxen in the Parable of the Wedding Feast.
Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
Used as an excuse to not follow the Lord.
Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
The condition of the Temple as the Lord Jesus walked on earth.
John 2:14-15 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
The priest was about to sacrifice to honor Barnabas and Paul.
Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
Paul quoted the Old Testament in Justification of paying those who are full time workers spreading God’s word:
1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1 Timothy 5:18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”
Deuteronomy 25:4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
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⇛ also see Beast, Bull, Bullock, Calf, Cattle, Cow, Heifer, Kine