In biblical literature, the term "ewe-lamb" refers to a young female sheep. The ewe-lamb holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Scriptures, often representing innocence, purity, and sacrifice. The imagery of the ewe-lamb is woven into various narratives and teachings, reflecting both the agrarian context of ancient Israel and the theological themes of the Bible.

Old Testament References

The ewe-lamb is first mentioned in the context of sacrificial offerings. In Levitical law, lambs were commonly used as sacrifices to atone for sin and to express devotion to God. Leviticus 4:32 states, "If, however, he brings a lamb as a sin offering, he is to bring an unblemished female." The requirement for the lamb to be unblemished underscores the theme of purity and the necessity of offering one's best to God.

One of the most poignant uses of the ewe-lamb imagery is found in the parable of the prophet Nathan, who confronts King David after his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12:3, Nathan tells of a poor man who had nothing but "one little ewe lamb that he had bought and nurtured." This lamb is described as being like a daughter to the man, highlighting its value and the deep affection he had for it. Nathan's parable uses the ewe-lamb to convict David of his sin, illustrating the innocence and vulnerability of Uriah, whom David wronged.

New Testament Symbolism

While the New Testament does not frequently mention ewe-lambs specifically, the symbolism of lambs in general is significant, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ. John the Baptist refers to Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This title draws on the Old Testament sacrificial system, where lambs were offered for atonement, and it emphasizes Jesus' role as the ultimate, unblemished sacrifice for humanity's sins.

The imagery of the lamb is further developed in the Book of Revelation, where Christ is repeatedly referred to as the Lamb. Revelation 5:12 proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" Here, the lamb symbolizes not only sacrifice but also victory and divine authority.

Theological Implications

The ewe-lamb, as a symbol of innocence and sacrifice, serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of sin and redemption. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. The requirement for the lamb to be without blemish points to the sinless nature of Jesus, who offered Himself willingly for the sins of the world.

Moreover, the ewe-lamb's representation of vulnerability and value in Nathan's parable to David serves as a moral lesson on justice, compassion, and the consequences of sin. It calls believers to recognize the worth of every individual and to act with integrity and righteousness.

In summary, the ewe-lamb in biblical texts is a multifaceted symbol that enriches the understanding of sacrifice, purity, and redemption. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on the nature of God's provision and the call to live a life of holiness and devotion.3535. kibsah -- ewe lamb
... 3534, 3535. kibsah or kabsah. 3536 . ewe lamb. Transliteration: kibsah or kabsah
Phonetic Spelling: (kib-saw') Short Definition: lamb. ... ewe lamb. ...
/hebrew/3535.htm - 6k

3776. kisbah -- a ewe lamb
... kisbah. 3777 . a ewe lamb. Transliteration: kisbah Phonetic Spelling: (kis-baw')
Short Definition: lamb. ... of keseb Definition a ewe lamb NASB Word Usage lamb (1 ...
/hebrew/3776.htm - 6k

David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
... accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his sin, set
before him the parable of the poor man who had but one ewe-lamb, and whose ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 david not lustful though.htm

And with what Moderation and Self-Restraint those Men Used their ...
... was accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his sin
set before him the parable of the poor man who had but one ewe-lamb, and whose ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 31 and with what.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing,
save one little ewe-lamb, which he possessed, and nourished up; and it had been ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

The Manner of Our Offering Sacrifices.
... But if a person fall into sin by ignorance, he offers an ewe lamb, or a female kid
of the goats, of the same age; and the priests sprinkle the blood at the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 the manner of.htm

David's Sin.
... The rich man had many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing, save one little
ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up; and it grew together with ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv davids sin.htm

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... other poor. The rich man had many flocks and herds; but the poor man had
nothing except one little ewe lamb which he had bought. He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm

The Wordless Book
... placed. He was like the owner of a great flock, who had no need to take his
neighbour's one ewe lamb when he had so many of his own. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the wordless book.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... 2. Anointing of David. I Samuel. 3. David and Goliath. I Samuel. 4. Nathan's Parable
of the Ewe Lamb. II Samuel. 5. Visit of the Queen of Sheba. I Kings 10. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

Forgiveness
... we cannot doubt; for when Nathan told him the parable of the rich man who spared
all his own flocks and herds, and took the poor man's one ewe lamb, his heart ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xix forgiveness.htm

How David Fell in Love with Bathsheba, and Slew Her Husband Uriah ...
... other poor]. The rich man had a great many flocks of cattle, of sheep,
and of kine; but the poor man had but one ewe lamb. This ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how david fell.htm

Ewe-lamb (4 Occurrences)
Ewe-lamb. Ewe, Ewe-lamb. Ewe-lambs . Multi-Version Concordance
Ewe-lamb (4 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:10 And on the ...
/e/ewe-lamb.htm - 7k

Ewe (8 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and one ewelamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of ...
/e/ewe.htm - 10k

Defect (62 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and one ewelamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of ...
/d/defect.htm - 25k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM. 2.
Zoology: The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

Blemish (71 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and one ewelamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of ...
/b/blemish.htm - 31k

Lamb (124 Occurrences)
... lam: (1) The most used word is kebhes, "a young ram"; compare Arabic kebsh, "ram";
often of sacrifices; (feminine) kabhsah, or kibchsah, "ewelamb" (2 Samuel 12 ...
/l/lamb.htm - 50k

Year-old (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:14 and he shall present his offering unto the LORD, one he-lamb of the
first year without blemish for a burnt-offering, and one ewe-lamb of the first ...
/y/year-old.htm - 8k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 And on the eighth day he shall take two he-lambs without blemish,
and one yearling ewe-lamb without blemish, and three tenth parts of fine ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Nourishing (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 12:3 but the poor man had nothing at all, but one little ewelamb which
he had bought, and was nourishing; and it grew up with him, and together with ...
/n/nourishing.htm - 7k

Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... In 12:1-15a, we have Nathan's parable of the rich man and the poor man's
ewelamb, and the application of it to David's conduct. ...
/n/nathan.htm - 29k

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