Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a shearer was significant in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. A shearer was responsible for the shearing of sheep, a task that was both practical and symbolic in the biblical narrative. The process of shearing involved removing the wool from sheep, which was a valuable commodity used for clothing and trade.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 31:19 · "Now while Laban was gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols." This passage highlights the cultural practice of sheep shearing as a time when shepherds and their families were occupied, allowing Rachel to take advantage of the situation to steal the idols. 2. 1 Samuel 25:4 · "While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep." The shearing season was often a time of festivity and celebration, as it marked a successful harvest of wool. David's request for provisions from Nabal during this time underscores the expectation of generosity associated with the shearing season. 3. 2 Samuel 13:23-24 · "Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal Hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the king’s sons." The shearing of sheep was an occasion for gatherings and feasts, as seen in Absalom's invitation to the king's sons, which ultimately led to the murder of Amnon. 4. Isaiah 53:7 · "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This prophetic passage uses the imagery of a sheep before its shearers to describe the Messiah's submission and silence in the face of suffering, pointing to the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: The act of shearing sheep was not only a practical necessity but also carried deeper symbolic meanings in the biblical context. The imagery of sheep and shepherds is prevalent throughout Scripture, often used to describe the relationship between God and His people. The process of shearing, therefore, can be seen as a metaphor for purification and renewal, as the removal of wool represents the shedding of the old to make way for the new. In the New Testament, the metaphor of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) further emphasizes the care and guidance provided by Christ, who lays down His life for the sheep. The silence of the sheep before the shearers, as mentioned in Isaiah, is a powerful image of humility and obedience, qualities exemplified by Jesus in His earthly ministry. Practical Aspects: Sheep shearing was a skilled task, requiring precision and care to avoid injuring the animal. It was typically done in the spring, aligning with the agricultural calendar. The wool gathered was an essential resource, used for making garments and other textiles, contributing to the economic stability of families and communities. In summary, the role of the shearer in biblical times was multifaceted, encompassing practical, cultural, and symbolic dimensions. The imagery associated with shearing continues to resonate within the Christian tradition, reflecting themes of sacrifice, renewal, and divine care. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who shears.Greek 2751. keiro -- to shear ... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to shear NASB Word Usage cut (1), hair cut off (2), shearer (1). shear. A primary verb; to shear -- shear(-er). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2751.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1494. gazaz -- to shear... shearers (3), shearing (2), sheepshearers (2), sheepshearers* (1). cut off, poll, shave, shearer. A primitive root (akin to guwz); to cut ... /hebrew/1494.htm - 6k 1495. Gazez -- two Israelites 6629. tson -- small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Library It is Related that when Pilate Would Fain have Released Him all ... Refutation of the Jews Jesus Christ in his Incarnation and Work a More Imitable Example ... The New Covenant, Founded on the Sufferings of Christ, Tends to ... Conclusion. Clue to the Error of the Jews. Argument. --Further, that the Same Rule of Truth Teaches us to ... Christ as an Example of Humility. Figurative Senses have their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides ... His Humiliation Predicted. Christ as an Example of Humility. Thesaurus Shearer (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Shearer (1 Occurrence). ... As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn't open his mouth. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /s/shearer.htm - 6k Dumb (34 Occurrences) Shearers (5 Occurrences) Openeth (48 Occurrences) Gazez (1 Occurrence) Reading (58 Occurrences) Contents (3 Occurrences) Silent (120 Occurrences) Sheared (1 Occurrence) Slaughter (121 Occurrences) Resources Who was the Ethiopian eunuch? | GotQuestions.orgShearer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shearer (1 Occurrence)Acts 8:32 Subtopics Related Terms |
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