Topical Encyclopedia Shearing in biblical times was an important agricultural activity, primarily associated with the removal of wool from sheep. This process was not only a practical necessity for obtaining wool but also held social and economic significance in the ancient Near Eastern culture, including among the Israelites.Biblical References and Practices The practice of shearing is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of pastoral life and economic activity. In Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father Laban's household idols while he is away shearing his sheep, indicating that shearing was a time-consuming task that could occupy a shepherd for an extended period. This suggests that shearing was a significant event, possibly involving many workers and a communal effort. In 1 Samuel 25, the account of Nabal and Abigail provides insight into the social aspects of shearing. Nabal, described as a wealthy man, was shearing his sheep in Carmel. David, who was in the wilderness, sent his men to greet Nabal during this time, expecting hospitality, as shearing was often a time of festivity and generosity. Nabal's refusal to share provisions with David's men led to a confrontation, which was ultimately resolved by Abigail's wise intervention. Shearing was also a time of celebration, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:23-24, where Absalom invites all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing event, which was likely accompanied by feasting and merriment. This indicates that shearing was not only an economic activity but also a social event that could involve large gatherings and festivities. Symbolism and Metaphor Shearing is used metaphorically in the Bible to convey various spiritual truths. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is described as being "led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This imagery highlights the humility and submission of the servant, which Christians interpret as a prophecy of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death. The act of shearing, which involves stripping away the wool, can also symbolize purification and renewal. In the context of biblical teaching, this can be seen as a metaphor for the removal of sin and the renewal of the believer's life through repentance and faith. Economic and Social Implications Shearing was a critical component of the agrarian economy in biblical times. Wool was a valuable commodity, used for clothing and trade. The prosperity of a household could be significantly impacted by the success of the shearing season. This is evident in the wealth of figures like Nabal, whose riches were partly derived from his large flocks and the wool they produced. The communal nature of shearing, often involving hired laborers and neighbors, reflects the cooperative spirit necessary for survival and prosperity in ancient agrarian societies. It was a time when social bonds were reinforced, and community ties were strengthened through shared labor and celebration. Conclusion Shearing in the Bible is depicted as a multifaceted activity with economic, social, and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a backdrop for narratives that reveal human character and divine principles, illustrating the interconnectedness of daily life and faith in the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shear.2. (n.) The act or operation of clipping with shears or a shearing machine, as the wool from sheep, or the nap from cloth. 3. (n.) The product of the act or operation of clipping with shears or a shearing machine; as, the whole shearing of a flock; the shearings from cloth. 4. (n.) Same as Shearling. 5. (n.) The act or operation of reaping. 6. (n.) The act or operation of dividing with shears; as, the shearing of metal plates. 7. (n.) The process of preparing shear steel; tilting. 8. (n.) The process of making a vertical side cutting in working into a face of coal. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEARING HOUSEsher'-ing (beth `eqedh ha-ro`im, "house of binding of the shepherds"; Codex Vaticanus Baithakath (Codex Alexandrinus Baithakad) ton poimenon): Here in the course of his extinction of the house of Ahab, Jehu met and destroyed 42 men, "the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah" (2 Kings 10:12-14). Eusebius (in Onomasticon) takes the phrase as a proper name, Bethacath, and locates the village 15 miles from Legio in the plain. This seems to point to identification with Beit Kad, about 3 miles East of Jenin. Strong's Hebrew 1488. gez -- a shearing, mowing... 1487, 1488. gez. 1489 . a shearing, mowing. Transliteration: gez Phonetic Spelling: (gaze) Short Definition: fleece. Word Origin ... /hebrew/1488.htm - 6k 1044. Beth-eqed -- "house of binding," a place in Palestine 1494. gazaz -- to shear 7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze 4177. mowrah -- a razor Library Of a Modus, Custom, &C. Abigail's Sensible Advice Of Removing Tithes. Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened ... What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ... A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service Chapter xxxviii Psalm LXIX. Acts XVIII Thesaurus Shearing (6 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shear. 2. (n.) The act or operation of clipping with shears or a shearing machine, as the wool from sheep, or the nap from cloth. ... /s/shearing.htm - 9k Sheep-shearing (1 Occurrence) Shearing-house (2 Occurrences) Sheepshearing Sheep (413 Occurrences) Shear (5 Occurrences) Nabal (18 Occurrences) Baalhazor (1 Occurrence) Baal-hazor (1 Occurrence) Clip (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the story of David and Nabal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does shabbat mean? | GotQuestions.org Who was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Shearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shearing (6 Occurrences)Genesis 38:12 Deuteronomy 18:4 1 Samuel 25:2 1 Samuel 25:4 2 Kings 10:12 2 Kings 10:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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