Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sheep were a significant part of the agrarian economy and held substantial value in the cultural and religious life of the Israelites. They were not only a source of wool, milk, and meat but also played a crucial role in the sacrificial system and as a form of tribute or tax payment.Sheep as Economic Assets Sheep were considered valuable assets in ancient Israel, often representing wealth and prosperity. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were known for their large flocks, which signified their wealth and God's blessing upon them (Genesis 13:2, 26:12-14, 30:43). The management and increase of flocks were seen as a sign of divine favor and economic stability. Sheep in the Sacrificial System Sheep were central to the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. They were used in various offerings, including the burnt offering, peace offering, and sin offering (Leviticus 1:10, 3:7, 4:32). The Passover lamb, a year-old male without blemish, was a critical element of the Passover celebration, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:3-5). Sheep as Tribute and Tax Payment In addition to their religious significance, sheep were also used as a form of tribute or tax payment. The concept of tribute in the ancient Near East often involved the payment of goods, including livestock, to a ruling power or authority. This practice is reflected in the biblical narrative, where sheep were part of the tribute paid to foreign powers or local rulers. For instance, in 2 Kings 3:4, Mesha, the king of Moab, is described as a sheep breeder who paid tribute to the king of Israel with "a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams." This passage highlights the use of sheep as a form of tribute, demonstrating their economic and political importance. Sheep in the Context of Tithes and Offerings The Mosaic Law also required the Israelites to offer tithes and firstfruits, which included livestock. Sheep, as part of the flock, were subject to these religious obligations. Leviticus 27:32 states, "Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD." This tithe was a form of tribute to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. Conclusion Sheep, as a form of tribute or tax payment, underscore their multifaceted role in the biblical world. They were not only vital to the economy and religious practices but also served as a means of fulfilling obligations to both earthly and divine authorities. The use of sheep in this context reflects the broader biblical themes of stewardship, obedience, and the acknowledgment of God's provision and authority over all aspects of life. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 3:4And Mesha king of Moab was a sheep master, and rendered to the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 5:21 2 Chronicles 17:11 Library The Syrian Persecution. The Old Testament and Archeology Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) My Brother Fabius V. ... The Political Constitution of Egypt Babylonia and Assyria The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Chaldaean Civilization The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org What is sheep stealing? | 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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