Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, goats were a significant source of food and held an important place in the dietary practices of the Israelites and surrounding cultures. The consumption of goat meat is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its role in daily life, religious practices, and hospitality.Biblical References and Context Goat meat was considered a clean food according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. In Leviticus 11:1-3 , God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding clean and unclean animals: "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Say to the Israelites, "Of all the beasts of the earth, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal with split hooves and that chews the cud."'" Goats, being ruminants with split hooves, fit these criteria and were thus permissible for consumption. The use of goat meat is illustrated in several biblical narratives. In Genesis 27, Rebekah prepares a meal of young goats for Isaac, intending to secure the blessing for Jacob instead of Esau. Genesis 27:9 states, "Go to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare them as a tasty meal for your father, the kind he loves." This passage highlights the use of goat meat in familial and ceremonial meals. In Judges 6:19 , Gideon prepares a young goat as part of an offering to the Angel of the LORD: "So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and he brought them out and offered them to Him under the oak." This account demonstrates the use of goat meat in religious offerings and its acceptance in divine encounters. Cultural and Religious Significance Goats were not only a source of meat but also provided milk, which was a staple in the diet of ancient Near Eastern peoples. The versatility of goats made them valuable livestock, contributing to the sustenance and economy of the community. In addition to their practical uses, goats held symbolic significance in biblical literature. They were often used in sacrificial rituals, such as the sin offering described in Leviticus 4:23-24 : "If his sin that he has committed is made known to him, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering. He is to lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered before the LORD. It is a sin offering." Hospitality and Feasting Goat meat was also associated with hospitality and feasting. In 1 Samuel 16:20 , Jesse sends David to Saul with a gift that includes a young goat: "So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them with his son David to Saul." This gesture underscores the role of goat meat in expressions of goodwill and provision. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:29 further illustrates the cultural context of goat meat in celebrations: "But he answered his father, 'Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.'" Here, the mention of a young goat signifies festivity and communal joy. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, goats are depicted as a vital part of the diet and culture of the ancient Israelites. Their role in religious, familial, and social contexts highlights their importance as a source of nourishment and a symbol of hospitality and sacrifice. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 27:9Go now to the flock, and fetch me from there two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for your father, such as he loves: Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 16:20 Library Leviticus. The Story of Abraham and Isaac The Nile and Egypt Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Daniel That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. (And Last): Homeward Bound Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... Leviticus Christ with Chrism, Lo! Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Baphomet? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | 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) |
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