A sheep-cote, also known as a sheepfold, is a structure or enclosure used for housing and protecting sheep. In biblical times, sheep-cotes were essential for the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. These enclosures provided safety from predators and harsh weather conditions, ensuring the well-being of the flock.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 24:3 : "So he came to the sheepfolds along the way, and there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave." This passage highlights the use of sheepfolds as landmarks and places of refuge. The sheepfolds were often located near caves, which provided additional shelter and security.

2. 2 Samuel 7:8 : "Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be ruler over My people Israel.’" Here, the imagery of the sheepfold is used metaphorically to describe David's humble beginnings as a shepherd before he was anointed king. The sheep-cote symbolizes the pastoral life and the responsibilities of caring for a flock, which parallels the leadership role David would assume over Israel.

3. Psalm 78:70-71 : "He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance." This passage reiterates the theme of divine selection and elevation from the sheepfold to a position of leadership. The sheep-cote serves as a backdrop for God's sovereign choice and preparation of David for his future role.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy, providing wool, milk, and meat. Shepherds were responsible for leading their flocks to pastures and water sources, often traveling long distances. The sheep-cote was a crucial element of this lifestyle, offering a place of rest and protection during the night or adverse weather.

Sheep-cotes were typically constructed using natural materials available in the region, such as stones, wood, and thorny bushes. They were often simple enclosures with a single entrance, which the shepherd could guard to prevent predators from entering. In some cases, sheep-cotes were built near caves or rock formations to utilize natural barriers.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

The sheep-cote holds rich symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing God's care and protection for His people. Just as a shepherd guards and tends to his flock, God is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd, guiding and safeguarding His followers. This imagery is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing themes of guidance, provision, and divine oversight.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), who lays down His life for the sheep. The concept of the sheep-cote is thus extended to illustrate the spiritual security and salvation found in Christ. Believers are likened to sheep who recognize the voice of their Shepherd and find refuge within His fold.

Overall, the sheep-cote serves as a powerful metaphor for God's relationship with His people, illustrating His role as protector, provider, and leader. Through the imagery of the sheepfold, Scripture communicates the intimate and caring nature of God's covenant with His chosen ones.5116. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation
... Short Definition: comely. comely, dwelling place, fold, habitation, pleasant
place, sheepcote, stable, tarried Or (feminine) navah ...
/hebrew/5116.htm - 6k

6629. tson -- small cattle, sheep and goats, flock
... small cattle, flock, lamb, sheepcote,. ... of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of
men) -- (small) cattle, flock (+ -s), lamb (+ -s), sheep((-cote, -fold, -shearer ...
/hebrew/6629.htm - 6k

1448. gederah -- a wall
... hedge, wall. Feminine of gader; enclosure (especially for flocks) -- (sheep-)
cote (fold) hedge, wall. see HEBREW gader. 1447, 1448. ...
/hebrew/1448.htm - 6k

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... 8. Now therefore so shalt thou say unto My servant David, Thus saith the Lord of
hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

A Martyr-Convert
... Ill in the heart of good. The last are first, the first are last,. As angel eyes
behold; These from the sheep-cote sternly cast,. Those welcomed to the fold. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccclxxvi a martyr-convert.htm

Of the Promises Made to David in his Son, which are in no Wise ...
... to build Him a house of cedar, he says, "And now thus shalt thou say unto my servant
David, Thus saith God Almighty, I took thee from the sheep-cote that thou ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the promises made.htm

Early Days
... Besides this, he acquired in the sheepcote lessons which he practised on the throne,
that rule means service, and that the shepherd of men holds his office in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... [Illustration: The Welcome to a Wayward Son.]. If the country was infested by dangerous
men or animals, the owners of the flocks built the fold or sheep-cote. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
... Ver.8. "And now, thus shalt thou say unto David My servant: Thus saith the Lord,
of hosts, I took thee from the sheep-cote,[4] from behind the sheep, to be ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise in 2 samuel.htm

The Treatise
A Treatise on Good Works. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Sheepcote (2 Occurrences)
... fold. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEEPCOTE; SHEEPFOLD. shep ... dung. James
A. Patch. Multi-Version Concordance Sheepcote (2 Occurrences). 2 ...
/s/sheepcote.htm - 8k

Sheep-cote (2 Occurrences)
Sheep-cote. Sheepcote, Sheep-cote. Sheepcotes . Multi-Version Concordance
Sheep-cote (2 Occurrences). ... Sheepcote, Sheep-cote. Sheepcotes . Reference Bible
/s/sheep-cote.htm - 7k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 7:8 Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith
Jehovah of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence)

/s/sheepcotes.htm - 6k

Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A fold or pen for sheep; a place where sheep are
collected or confined. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEEPCOTE; SHEEPFOLD. ...
/s/sheepfold.htm - 10k

Shouldst (61 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 17:7 Now therefore thus shalt thou say to my servant David, Thus saith
the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheep-cote, even from following the ...
/s/shouldst.htm - 25k

Hosts (326 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 7:8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the
LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to ...
/h/hosts.htm - 38k

Cotes (2 Occurrences)
... folds"). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COTES. kots. See SHEEPCOTE.
Multi-Version Concordance Cotes (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles ...
/c/cotes.htm - 7k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)

/s/sheep.htm - 52k

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