In biblical terminology, the term "he-lamb" refers to a young male sheep, often used in the context of sacrificial offerings. The he-lamb holds significant importance in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. The use of he-lambs in sacrificial rites underscores themes of atonement, obedience, and covenantal relationship with God.

Sacrificial System

The he-lamb is prominently featured in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. In the Book of Exodus, God provides detailed instructions for the Passover, where a lamb without blemish, a male a year old, is to be selected for each household (Exodus 12:5). This Passover lamb is a he-lamb, symbolizing purity and innocence, and its blood is used to mark the doorposts of the Israelites' homes, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn.

In Leviticus, the he-lamb is specified for various offerings, including the burnt offering and the peace offering. Leviticus 1:10 states, "If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male." The requirement for the he-lamb to be without blemish emphasizes the need for perfection in offerings made to God, reflecting His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

Symbolism and Typology

The he-lamb serves as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The sacrificial he-lambs of the Old Testament prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who is described as a lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19). This typology highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

Covenantal Significance

The offering of a he-lamb is also tied to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. However, God provides a ram as a substitute, illustrating the principle of substitutionary atonement that is later fulfilled in Christ. The he-lamb offerings in the Mosaic Law reinforce the idea of substitution, where the innocent bears the penalty for the guilty, maintaining the covenantal bond between God and Israel.

Ritual Purity and Community Worship

The he-lamb is integral to the communal worship practices of Israel. The daily offerings, Sabbath offerings, and festival sacrifices often include he-lambs, as seen in Numbers 28-29. These offerings serve to maintain ritual purity and express communal devotion to God. The regular sacrifice of he-lambs underscores the need for continual atonement and the Israelites' dependence on God's grace and mercy.

Conclusion

The he-lamb, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound symbol of sacrifice, purity, and redemption. Its role in the sacrificial system points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the law and establishing a new covenant with humanity. Through the he-lamb, believers are reminded of the cost of sin and the depth of God's love and provision for His people.3733c. kar -- a he-lamb, a battering ram
... 3733b, 3733c. kar. 3734 . a he-lamb, a battering ram. Transliteration:
kar Short Definition: lambs. Word Origin from karar Definition ...
/hebrew/3733c.htm - 5k

Separation to God.
... are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation;
And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he-lamb of the first ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

He-lamb (21 Occurrences)
He-lamb. Helam, He-lamb. He-lambs . Multi-Version Concordance
He-lamb (21 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:12 And the priest ...
/h/he-lamb.htm - 12k

Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:13 and he shall kill the he-lamb in the place where they kill the
sin-offering and the burnt-offering, in the place of the sanctuary: for as the ...
/b/burnt-offering.htm - 38k

Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:13 and he shall kill the he-lamb in the place where they kill the
sin-offering and the burnt-offering, in the place of the sanctuary: for as the ...
/t/trespass-offering.htm - 18k

Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:13 and he shall kill the he-lamb in the place where they kill the
sin-offering and the burnt-offering, in the place of the sanctuary: for as the ...
/g/guilt-offering.htm - 17k

Ox (197 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 7:15 One young ox,
one male sheep, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burned offering; (BBE). ...
/o/ox.htm - 43k

Year-old (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his Naziriteship,
and shall bring a he-lamb of the first year for a guilt-offering; but the ...
/y/year-old.htm - 8k

Slaughter (121 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:13 And he shall slaughter the he-lamb at the place where the sin-offering
and the burnt-offering are slaughtered, in a holy place; for as the sin ...
/s/slaughter.htm - 40k

Guilt (180 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:13 and he shall kill the he-lamb in the place where they kill the
sin-offering and the burnt-offering, in the place of the sanctuary: for as the ...
/g/guilt.htm - 46k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS). Leviticus 23:12 And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf, a
he-lamb without blemish, a yearling, for a burnt-offering to Jehovah; (DBY). ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Naziriteship (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:12 And he shall separate unto Jehovah the days of his separation, and
shall bring a he-lamb a year old for a trespass-offering; but the former days ...
/n/naziriteship.htm - 7k

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