Definition and Usage:
The term "cotes" refers to enclosures or shelters for animals, particularly sheep. In biblical times, these structures were essential for the protection and management of livestock, which were vital to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. The word "cote" is often synonymous with "fold" or "pen" in biblical contexts.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "cotes" is not frequently used in most modern translations of the Bible, the concept is present in various passages that discuss the care and management of sheep. The Berean Standard Bible uses terms like "fold" or "pen" to describe these enclosures.

One notable reference to the concept of a sheepfold is found in John 10:1-2 , where Jesus uses the imagery of a sheepfold to illustrate His role as the Good Shepherd: "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep."

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, sheep were a primary source of wool, milk, and meat, making them a crucial part of the economy and daily life. Shepherds were responsible for leading their flocks to pasture, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their overall well-being. Cotes or sheepfolds provided a safe place for the sheep to rest at night, protected from wild animals and thieves.

The construction of these enclosures varied depending on the region and available materials. In some areas, cotes were simple stone walls or wooden fences, while in others, they might have been more elaborate structures with roofs for additional protection.

Theological Significance:
The imagery of sheep and shepherds is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. The use of cotes or sheepfolds in these metaphors underscores the themes of protection, guidance, and care. In the New Testament, Jesus' reference to the sheepfold in John 10 highlights His role as the true Shepherd who provides safety and security for His followers.

The concept of a sheepfold also emphasizes the idea of community and belonging. Just as sheep are gathered into a fold for safety, believers are called to be part of the body of Christ, finding refuge and fellowship within the Church.

Related Concepts:
· Shepherd: A key figure in biblical narratives, representing leadership, guidance, and care. Jesus is often referred to as the "Good Shepherd."
· Sheep: Symbolic of God's people, often used to illustrate dependence on divine guidance and protection.
· Fold: Another term for a sheep enclosure, emphasizing the themes of safety and community.

Conclusion:
The concept of cotes, while not explicitly named in many modern translations, is integral to understanding the pastoral imagery used throughout the Bible. It reflects the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel and serves as a powerful metaphor for God's care and protection of His people.Cotes

Enclosures for the safe keeping of sheep, 2 Chronicles 32:28. See SHEEP.

Pens or enclosures for flocks (2 Chronicles 32:28, "cotes for flocks;" R.V., "flocks in folds"). COTES

kots.

See SHEEPCOTE.

Choosing the Tens
... cattle. Close to these were compounds for the flocks and brush inclosures
for geese, and cotes for the pigeons used in sacrifice. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

On the Downs
... Now upon the sunny hill-top. We can rest at will. Far below the quiet valleys. Farms
and sheep-cotes lie,. All above us deep and cloudless. Glows the summer sky ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/on the downs.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... The king who had been the shepherd-boy, and had been taken from the quiet
sheep-cotes to rule over Israel, sings this little psalm of Him who is the true ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The Life of Constantine.
... Clergie ... London. Printed by Thomas Cotes, for Michael Sparke, and are
to be sold at the blue Bible in greene Arbour 1637; fol. pp. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 1 the life of.htm

Paragraphs from Notable Speeches
... The genial showers of repentance are softly falling upon the barren plain; the
wilderness is budding like the rose; the voice of joy succeeds the cotes of we ...
/.../paragraphs from notable speeches.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Cotes (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Pens or enclosures for flocks (2 Chronicles 32:28, "cotes
for flocks;" RV, "flocks in folds"). Int. ...COTES. kots. See SHEEPCOTE. ...
/c/cotes.htm - 7k

Dove-cotes (1 Occurrence)
Dove-cotes. Dove, Dove-cotes. Doves . Multi-Version Concordance
Dove-cotes (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 60:8 Who are these ...
/d/dove-cotes.htm - 6k

Sheep-cotes (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-cotes. Sheepcotes, Sheep-cotes. Sheep-farmer . Multi-Version
Concordance Sheep-cotes (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ...
/s/sheep-cotes.htm - 6k

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)
... The rich provided large and expensive cotes of molded pottery for their birds, each
section big enough for the home of one pair of birds, the regular rows of ...
/p/pigeon.htm - 13k

Doves (25 Occurrences)

/d/doves.htm - 14k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... Doves were wild, mostly migratory, and had no "windows." But the clay cotes of pigeons
molded in squares so that one large cote sheltered many pairs in ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

Flying (22 Occurrences)
... preserve it. (KJV WBS YLT NAS). Isaiah 60:8 Who are these that come flying
as a cloud, and as doves to their dove-cotes? (DBY). Daniel ...
/f/flying.htm - 12k

Cots (1 Occurrence)

/c/cots.htm - 6k

Cot (3 Occurrences)

/c/cot.htm - 7k

Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence)

/s/sheepcotes.htm - 6k

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