Discovery of Mules

Genesis 36:24 - And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.

Famous for first time discovery of this sterile but useful cross-breed of donkey and horse.  All modern versions translate "found the hot springs in the desert," which would also make Anah famous.  There are hot springs in the area, on eastern shore of the Dead Sea.  All dictionaries say the Hebrew word is of uncertain meaning, either "mules" or "hot springs" possible.  The hot springs are numerous enough to have been likely discovered before Anah; the context places him with donkeys already; the Jews always considered it to be mules that he found, or found out the manner of breeding them.  So mules seems as likely as hot springs, or more so.

Matthew Henry comments: "This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful....  Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected."

VM