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 Bible, sheep are often associated with themes of sacrifice, guidance, and the relationship between God and His people.Symbolism and Sacrifice Sheep were integral to the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. They were considered clean animals and were frequently used in offerings to God. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is one of the most notable examples, where a lamb without blemish was sacrificed, and its blood was used to protect the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt. This event prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Guidance and Leadership Sheep are often depicted as needing guidance, which underscores the role of God as the Shepherd of His people. Psalm 23 is a quintessential passage illustrating this relationship: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This imagery is further expanded in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Metaphor for Believers In the New Testament, believers are frequently likened to sheep, emphasizing their need for guidance and protection. Jesus' parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) highlights God's relentless pursuit of sinners and His joy in their repentance. The metaphor extends to the church, where leaders are admonished to shepherd the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2). Nebaioth Nebaioth is mentioned in the Bible as the firstborn son of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar (Genesis 25:13). The descendants of Nebaioth are often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. In Isaiah 60:7 , Nebaioth is mentioned alongside Kedar, another of Ishmael's sons, in a prophecy concerning the future glory of Zion: "All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance." The mention of Nebaioth in this context suggests a future inclusion of Gentile nations in the worship of the God of Israel, symbolizing the expansion of God's covenant blessings beyond the boundaries of Israel. This prophetic vision aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for all nations through the Messiah. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 60:7All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you: they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. Nave's Topical Index Library The Pilgrim's Progress 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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