In biblical times, the act of shearing primarily refers to the process of cutting or trimming the wool from sheep. This practice is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing vulnerability, humility, or the removal of excess.

Old Testament References

The imagery of shearing is notably present in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with agricultural practices and the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites. In Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father Laban's household idols while he is away shearing his sheep, indicating the significance of shearing as a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. The act of shearing is also mentioned in the context of hospitality and celebration, as seen in 1 Samuel 25:4-8, where David sends his men to Nabal during the sheep-shearing festival, seeking provisions.

The prophetic literature uses the imagery of shearing to convey messages of judgment and redemption. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is described as "a lamb led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . This passage prophetically points to the Messiah's submission and silent endurance of suffering, drawing a parallel between the vulnerability of a sheared sheep and the humility of Christ.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of shearing is less prevalent but still carries significant theological weight. Acts 8:32 references Isaiah 53:7, where the Ethiopian eunuch reads about the suffering servant: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . This passage is pivotal in Philip's explanation of the Gospel, illustrating Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through His sacrificial death.

Symbolism and Themes

The act of shearing in the Bible often symbolizes vulnerability and humility. Sheep, when sheared, are left exposed and defenseless, a condition that metaphorically represents the human state before God. This imagery is used to emphasize the need for divine protection and guidance, as well as the humility required to submit to God's will.

Shearing also signifies the removal of excess and the preparation for new growth. In a spiritual sense, this can be interpreted as the process of sanctification, where believers are called to shed their old ways and embrace a renewed life in Christ. The shearing of sheep, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, sheep-shearing was a significant event, often accompanied by feasting and celebration. It marked a time of harvest and abundance, as the wool collected was a valuable resource for clothing and trade. The communal aspect of shearing is evident in the gatherings and festivities that surrounded it, reflecting the agrarian culture of the time.

Overall, the concept of shearing in the Bible is rich with symbolic meaning, illustrating themes of humility, vulnerability, and transformation. Through the imagery of shearing, Scripture communicates profound truths about the human condition and the redemptive work of God.1. (imp.) of Shear.

2. (p. p.) of Shear.

Acts XVIII
... Now Paul, having still remained for many days, bade the brethren farewell, and sailed
into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having sheared his head in ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xviii.htm

Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,
... [86] Come, now; if from the beginning of the world [87] the Milesians sheared sheep,
and the Serians [88] spun trees, and the Tyrians dyed, and the Phrygians ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter i introduction modesty in apparel.htm

"Moreover, it Will be Worth While to Relate Also Some of his ...
... He happened to see a sheep [122] that had recently been sheared; and, See,' says
he, she has fulfilled the precept of the Gospel: she had two coats, and one of ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter x moreover it will.htm

Imperial Caesar
... "However these sheep look when they are sheared," he said, "this seems to be robbery
to me.". "Robbery!" the good-natured decurion exclaimed. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

Events During the War
... war. We sheared our own sheep, washed and picked the wool, and sent it
to the carding machine, where it was made into rolls. Then ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... To this Nabal, therefore, David sent ten men of his attendants at the time when
he sheared his sheep, and by them saluted him; and also wished he might do what ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... and hilarity. Since they are his own sheep that are to be sheared, he goes
to the scene of their shearing to Timnah. This cannot ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Acts XXI
... In this instance, as the head was to be sheared on the seventh day, and the offerings
presented on the eighth, there were just seven whole days employed. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

The History of Saul
... Then there was a rich man in the mount of Carmel that hight Nabal, and on a time
he sheared and clipped his sheep, to whom David sent certain men, and bade ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Sheared (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Shear. 2. (pp) of Shear. Multi-Version
Concordance Sheared (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 22:25 In ...
/s/sheared.htm - 6k

Shear (5 Occurrences)

/s/shear.htm - 9k

Shearer (1 Occurrence)

/s/shearer.htm - 6k

Palestine (1 Occurrence)
... The beds upheaved include: (1) the Nubian Sandstone (of the Greensand period), which
was sheared along the line of the Jordan fault East of the river, and ...
/p/palestine.htm - 89k

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