Topical Encyclopedia Sheep hold significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible, serving as a central element in the agrarian society of ancient Israel and as a powerful metaphor in spiritual teachings. In the Old Testament, sheep were a primary source of wealth and sustenance, providing wool, meat, and milk. They were also integral to the sacrificial system established by God, as seen in the instructions given to the Israelites in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were shepherds, and their wealth was often measured by the size of their flocks. Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold." The role of a shepherd was one of care and protection, a theme that is echoed in the spiritual metaphor of God as the Shepherd of His people. Psalm 23, one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, begins with the words, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is frequently depicted as the Good Shepherd, a title He claims in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This imagery underscores His role as the protector and savior of His followers, who are often referred to as His flock. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7 further illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy in their return. Sheep also symbolize the people of God, who are called to follow their Shepherd with trust and obedience. In Matthew 25:32-33, during the final judgment, Jesus separates the sheep from the goats, representing the righteous and the unrighteous, respectively. This imagery emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the values and teachings of Christ. Bozrah Bozrah is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. It is referenced in several prophetic books, highlighting its importance in biblical history and prophecy. In Genesis 36:33, Bozrah is noted as the city of Jobab, one of the kings of Edom: "When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place." This indicates Bozrah's status as a royal city within the Edomite kingdom. The city is often associated with judgment and destruction in the prophetic literature, symbolizing God's retribution against the nations that oppose Him. The prophet Isaiah speaks of Bozrah in the context of divine judgment. Isaiah 34:6 mentions, "The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat—the blood of lambs and goats, the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom." This passage portrays Bozrah as a site of God's wrath against Edom, reflecting the broader theme of divine justice. Jeremiah also prophesies against Bozrah, declaring its impending desolation. In Jeremiah 49:13, the Lord says, "For I have sworn by Myself, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a ruin, a reproach, a waste, and a curse. And all its cities will become ruins forever." This prophecy underscores the certainty of God's judgment and the ultimate downfall of those who oppose His will. In the book of Amos, Bozrah is again mentioned in the context of judgment against Edom. Amos 1:12 states, "So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah." This reinforces the theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of God's promises concerning the nations. Bozrah's role in biblical prophecy serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the eventual triumph of His justice over the earth. Nave's Topical Index Micah 2:12I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of you; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the middle of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. Nave's Topical Index Library The Shepherd of Our Souls. The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ... On the Words, Crucified and Buried. The Ascension of Christ Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known A Harp of Ten Strings The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows And ii. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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