Topical Encyclopedia The goat holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Paschal Feast, also known as the Passover. This feast commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. The instructions for the Passover sacrifice are detailed in Exodus 12, where both lambs and goats are mentioned as acceptable offerings.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism In Exodus 12:5 , the Lord commands, "Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats." This directive highlights the interchangeability of lambs and goats for the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of the animal's purity and age rather than its species. The unblemished nature of the goat symbolizes the sinlessness required for the atonement of sins, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). The use of a goat in the Paschal Feast also reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites, where both sheep and goats were common livestock. The choice between a lamb or a goat allowed families to select an animal that was readily available and suitable for their household size, as the entire animal was to be consumed during the feast (Exodus 12:4). Ritual and Community Aspects The Paschal goat, like the lamb, was to be slaughtered at twilight on the 14th day of the first month (Exodus 12:6). Its blood was to be applied to the doorposts and lintels of the Israelites' homes as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" and spare them from the plague of the firstborn (Exodus 12:7). This act of faith and obedience was central to the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and served as a powerful reminder of His deliverance and protection. The communal aspect of the Paschal Feast is underscored by the instruction to share the meal with one's household and, if necessary, with neighboring families (Exodus 12:4). This practice fostered a sense of unity and collective remembrance among the Israelites, reinforcing their shared history and covenant with God. Theological Implications Theologically, the goat for the Paschal Feast is a precursor to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, where goats were often used as sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23-24). The Passover sacrifice, whether lamb or goat, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). As the Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7), linking the Old Testament Passover with the New Testament understanding of redemption through Christ. In summary, the goat for the Paschal Feast is a vital component of the Passover celebration, rich in symbolism and theological significance. It serves as a testament to God's deliverance, the importance of faith and obedience, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 35:7 Library Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Scriptural Types. Notes The History of Saul The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Resources What is the significance of the Greek Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible mention Alexander the Great? | GotQuestions.org Goat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Goat: As a Sacrifice by Abraham Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle Goat: Designated As One of the Ceremonially Clean Animals to be Eaten Goat: Hair of, Used for Clothing Goat: Nor Seethed in Its Mother's Milk The Goat: (Flock of) of the Church The Goat: Bashan Celebrated For The Goat: Clean and Fit for Food The Goat: First-Born of, not Redeemed The Goat: Flocks of, Always Led by a Male The Goat: Jews had Large Flocks of The Goat: Milk of, Used As Food The Goat: Most Profitable to the Owner The Goat: Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: Skin of, often Used As Clothing The Goat: The Arabians Traded In The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Curtains, for Covering the Tabernacle The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Pillows The Goat: The Hair of Offered for Tabernacle The Goat: The Male, Best for Sacrifice The Goat: The Young of Called Kids The Goat: The Young of Considered a Delicacy The Goat: The Young of Fed Near the Shepherds' Tents The Goat: The Young of Given As a Present The Goat: The Young of Kept in Small Flocks The Goat: The Young of not to be Seethed in Milk of Mother The Goat: The Young of Offered at the Passover The Goat: The Young of Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: when Wild Dwelt in the Hills and Rocks Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
    |