Camels are significant animals in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing wealth, trade, and transportation. In the ancient Near East, camels were highly valued for their ability to travel long distances across arid regions, making them indispensable for trade caravans and nomadic lifestyles.

The first mention of camels in the Bible is found in Genesis 12:16, where Pharaoh gives Abram camels, among other livestock, as part of a dowry for Sarai. This indicates the wealth and status associated with owning camels. In Genesis 24:10, Abraham's servant takes ten camels to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac, highlighting their role in long-distance travel and trade.

Camels are also mentioned in the context of wealth and prosperity. Job, a man of great wealth, owned 3,000 camels (Job 1:3), signifying his substantial resources. In 1 Kings 10:2, the Queen of Sheba arrives in Jerusalem with a large caravan of camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones, further illustrating their use in trade and the transport of luxury goods.

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the camel in a metaphor to teach about the challenges of wealth and entering the kingdom of God: "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). This hyperbolic statement underscores the difficulty of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material riches.

Sheep

Sheep hold a prominent place in biblical literature, symbolizing innocence, sacrifice, and the people of God. They are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting their importance in the agrarian society of ancient Israel.

Sheep were central to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 12:5, the Passover lamb, a year-old male without blemish, is to be taken from the sheep or the goats, signifying purity and the necessity of an unblemished sacrifice. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

The pastoral imagery of sheep and shepherds is prevalent throughout Scripture. Psalm 23 famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1), portraying God as a caring and protective shepherd. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11), emphasizing His sacrificial love and guidance.

Sheep also represent the people of God, who are often described as needing guidance and protection. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus sees the crowds and has compassion on them because "they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" . This metaphor underscores the need for spiritual leadership and care.

In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), Jesus illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost, highlighting the value of each individual in the eyes of God. The shepherd's joy upon finding the lost sheep reflects the heavenly rejoicing over one sinner who repents.

Overall, camels and sheep serve as rich symbols within the biblical narrative, representing themes of wealth, sacrifice, guidance, and divine care.