RAV KOOK ON Ki Tavo PART 1: First Fruits, Led by an Ox and a Flute

The Mishnah in Bikurim (3:2-3) describes the impressive procession of Jewish farmers, as they brought their first-fruits to Jerusalem: “How were the first-fruits brought up to Jerusalem? Farmers from surrounding towns would gather in the district capital, and camp out in the main square. In the morning, the officer would call out, “Let us rise and ascend to Zion, to the House of God!” ... An ox walked in front of the procession, its horns covered with gold and a crown of olive-twigs on its head. A flute would be played before them, until they drew near to Jerusalem.” What was the significance of the ox?