Ewe-lambs, the female offspring of sheep, hold significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of daily life, providing wool, milk, and meat. Ewe-lambs, in particular, were valued for their potential to produce more sheep, thus ensuring the sustainability of a flock.

Symbolism and Sacrifice

In the Old Testament, ewe-lambs are often associated with sacrificial offerings. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law required offerings of unblemished animals, and ewe-lambs were among the acceptable sacrifices. Leviticus 4:32 states, "If someone brings a lamb as their sin offering, they are to bring a female without defect." This requirement underscores the importance of purity and innocence in sacrificial offerings, with the ewe-lamb symbolizing these qualities.

The use of ewe-lambs in sacrifices also points to the broader theme of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent bears the penalty for the guilty. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Ewe-lambs in Biblical Narratives

Ewe-lambs appear in several key biblical narratives, often highlighting themes of innocence, value, and loss. One notable account is Nathan's parable to King David in 2 Samuel 12:1-4. In this parable, a poor man has only one ewe-lamb, which he loves dearly, while a rich man, possessing many flocks, takes the poor man's lamb to prepare a meal for a traveler. This account serves as a poignant illustration of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, emphasizing the themes of injustice and the preciousness of what is lost.

Ewe-lambs in Prophetic Literature

The prophets also use the imagery of ewe-lambs to convey messages of judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter, highlighting the themes of submission and sacrifice. This passage is widely interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, who, like a lamb, willingly submits to suffering for the redemption of humanity.

Practical Aspects

In addition to their symbolic significance, ewe-lambs were an essential part of the economic and social fabric of ancient Israel. Shepherding was a common occupation, and the health and growth of a flock were crucial for a family's livelihood. The care of ewe-lambs required knowledge and skill, as they were more vulnerable than adult sheep and needed protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Ewe-lambs, therefore, are more than just livestock in the biblical context; they are rich in symbolic meaning and practical importance. They represent innocence, sacrifice, and the potential for growth and renewal, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.3535. kibsah -- ewe lamb
... Word Origin from the same as kebes Definition ewe lamb NASB Word Usage ewe
lamb (3), ewe lambs (3), ewe-lamb (1), lamb (1). ewe lamb. ...
/hebrew/3535.htm - 6k

Chapter xxi
... And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made
a covenant, Abraham (namely) set seven ewe lambs apart by themselves, And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... And there came a guest unto the rich man; and he spared to take of the flock of
his own ewe-lambs, and from the herds of his own oxen, to entertain the guest ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

A Lecture for Little-Faith
... When you cannot see him then you doubt him; but if you live in fellowship with him,
you are like the ewe lambs of Nathan's parable, for you lie in his bosom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a lecture for little-faith.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves."And he said, For these
seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences)
Ewe-lambs. Ewe-lamb, Ewe-lambs. Ewes . Multi-Version Concordance
Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences). Genesis 21:28 And Abraham ...
/e/ewe-lambs.htm - 7k

Lambs (107 Occurrences)
... And the Lord was pleased with Abel's offering; (BBE). Genesis 21:28 Abraham
set seven ewelambs of the flock by themselves. (WEB ...
/l/lambs.htm - 39k

Ewe (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ewe (8 Occurrences). Genesis 21:28 Abraham set seven ewe
lambs of the flock by themselves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/ewe.htm - 10k

Ewes (7 Occurrences)

/e/ewes.htm - 8k

Seven (404 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Genesis 21:28 Abraham set seven ewelambs
of the flock by themselves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/seven.htm - 42k

Apart (228 Occurrences)
... Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (See NAS). Genesis
21:28 Abraham set seven ewelambs of the flock by themselves. (See RSV NIV). ...
/a/apart.htm - 36k

Ewe-lamb (4 Occurrences)
Ewe-lamb. Ewe, Ewe-lamb. Ewe-lambs . Multi-Version Concordance Ewe-lamb
(4 Occurrences). ... Ewe, Ewe-lamb. Ewe-lambs . Reference Bible.
/e/ewe-lamb.htm - 7k

Dug (45 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:30 He said, "You shall take these seven ewelambs from my hand, that
it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well." (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dug.htm - 20k

Digged (37 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewelambs shalt thou take of my hand,
that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. ...
/d/digged.htm - 18k

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)
... In Genesis 21:31 Abraham and Abimelech took an oath of witness that the former had
dug the well and seven ewelambs were offered in sacrifice, "Wherefore he ...
/b/beersheba.htm - 22k

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