Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, sheep are frequently used as a metaphor to convey spiritual truths and illustrate the relationship between God and His people. This figurative use of sheep is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of the ancient Near East, where sheep were a common and vital part of daily life. The imagery of sheep is employed to depict various aspects of faith, obedience, and the nature of God's care for His followers.God's People as Sheep One of the most prominent figurative uses of sheep in the Bible is to represent the people of God. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is often depicted as God's flock. Psalm 95:7 states, "For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care." This imagery emphasizes the dependence of God's people on Him for guidance, provision, and protection. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:14-15, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep." Here, the relationship between Christ and believers is likened to that of a shepherd and his sheep, highlighting the intimacy, care, and sacrificial love of Christ for His followers. Sheep and Obedience Sheep are known for their tendency to follow their shepherd, which serves as a metaphor for obedience and submission to God's will. Isaiah 53:6 illustrates the waywardness of humanity, stating, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." This passage underscores the need for divine intervention and guidance, as humans are prone to wander from God's path. In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), Jesus uses the image of a shepherd seeking a lost sheep to illustrate God's relentless pursuit of sinners. The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is likened to the joy of a shepherd who finds his lost sheep, emphasizing the value God places on each individual and His desire for their return to the fold. Sheep and Sacrifice Sheep also symbolize sacrifice, particularly in the context of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Lambs were commonly used as offerings for atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This sacrificial imagery is central to the Christian understanding of redemption and salvation. In Revelation, the Lamb is a dominant figure, representing Christ's victory and authority. Revelation 5:12 proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" The Lamb's triumph through sacrifice is a powerful testament to the redemptive work of Christ. Sheep and Judgment The metaphor of sheep is also used in the context of judgment. In Matthew 25:31-33, Jesus describes the final judgment, where He will separate the "sheep" from the "goats." The sheep, representing the righteous, are those who have followed Christ and demonstrated their faith through acts of love and compassion. They are welcomed into eternal life, while the goats, symbolizing the unrighteous, face eternal separation from God. This imagery serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, as the true sheep are those who hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The distinction between sheep and goats underscores the reality of divine judgment and the ultimate accountability of every individual before God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 21:17And David said to God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let your hand, I pray you, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on your people, that they should be plagued. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 74:1 Jeremiah 13:20 Greek 4165. poimaino -- to act as a shepherd ... to shepherd, tend") occurs 11 times in the NT, usually with a figurative sense of ... NASB Word Usage caring (1), rule (3), shepherd (5), tending sheep (1), tends ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4165.htm - 8k Library Figurative Senses have their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides ... Use of the Obscurities in Scripture which Arise from Its ... The Figurative Language of Scripture. Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. The Syro-Phoenician Woman. (Matt. , xv. , 21; Mark, vii. , 24. ) ... Introduction. Love and Service. All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ... Prophecy. 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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