Sheep-skins, the hides of sheep, hold significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. In ancient times, sheep-skins were commonly used for clothing, shelter, and various other purposes due to their availability and durability. The use of sheep-skins is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing simplicity, humility, and the provision of God.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Clothing and Shelter: Sheep-skins were a practical resource for clothing and shelter in biblical times. Hebrews 11:37 mentions the faithful who "went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated." This passage highlights the humble and austere lifestyle of those who remained faithful to God, often enduring hardship and persecution. The use of sheep-skins here underscores their reliance on God's provision rather than worldly wealth.

2. Prophetic Imagery: Sheep-skins also appear in prophetic imagery. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Here, sheep-skins symbolize outward appearances that can be deceiving. The imagery of sheep’s clothing is used to caution believers against those who disguise their true intentions with a façade of innocence and righteousness.

3. Sacrificial System: While not directly mentioned as sheep-skins, the broader context of sheep in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament is relevant. Sheep were among the animals used for sacrifices, symbolizing purity and atonement for sin. The skins of these sacrificial animals would have been utilized for various purposes, reflecting the comprehensive use of the animal in worship and daily life.

4. Symbol of Humility and Dependence: The use of sheep-skins can also be seen as a symbol of humility and dependence on God. In a culture where wealth and status were often displayed through fine clothing, the choice or necessity of wearing sheep-skins would signify a life of simplicity and trust in God's provision. This aligns with the biblical theme of God exalting the humble and providing for those who seek Him.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy, providing wool, meat, and hides. The process of tanning and preparing sheep-skins for use was a common practice. These skins were versatile, used not only for clothing but also for making tents, bags, and other essential items. The prevalence of sheep-skins in daily life made them a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing both the material and spiritual aspects of existence.

Conclusion

Sheep-skins in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing humility, simplicity, and the provision of God. They remind believers of the importance of inner righteousness over outward appearances and the value of a life dependent on God's grace and provision. Through the imagery of sheep-skins, the Bible communicates enduring truths about faith, integrity, and the nature of true discipleship.3374. melote -- a sheepskin
... Word Origin from melon (a sheep or goat) Definition a sheepskin NASB Word Usage
sheepskins (1). sheepskin. From melon (a sheep); a sheep-skin -- sheepskin. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3374.htm - 6k

ecce Iterum Crispinus!'
... They are old, but astonishingly tall, and look gaunt, wretched, and half-starved.
They are dressed only in white sheepskins and sandals. ...
/.../chapter xliii ecce iterum crispinus.htm

Hebrews xi. 37, 38
... Hebrews xi. 37, 38. Hebrews xi.37, 38 "They wandered about in sheep-skins, and
goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom this [3337] world was ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxviii hebrews xi 37.htm

By the Wayside
... From the low-growing limbs of a couple of gnarly cedars, old Momus had stretched
the sheepskins which Joseph, the shepherd, had given them. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

Footnotes:
... of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,
were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/groves/christian devotedness/footnotes .htm

Faith and Courage.
... They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword:
they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

The Child Samuel.
... Before long they saw the tabernacle on the hill of Shiloh, with its broad tent-roof
of red sheepskins, as well as the hundreds of little black tents of the ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... They were stoned; they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword;
they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted,
they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

The Prince Returns
... All night the man on the sheepskins spoke to the blackened thatch above him of
the siege of Jerusalem and the treachery of Julian of Ephesus. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xii the prince returns.htm

The Security of the Church
... Into every nation of the earth have they wandered; in sheepskins and goatskins have
they been clothed; their houses have been in the rocks and their sleeping ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

Sheepskins (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sheepskins (7 Occurrences). ... Exodus 25:5 And
sheepskins coloured red, and leather, and hard wood; (BBE). ...
/s/sheepskins.htm - 8k

Sheep-skins (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-skins. Sheepskins, Sheep-skins. Sheep-traders . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Sheepskins, Sheep-skins. Sheep-traders . Reference Bible.
/s/sheep-skins.htm - 6k

Leather (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 25:5 And sheepskins coloured red, and leather, and hard wood; (BBE). ...
Exodus 35:7 And sheepskins coloured red, and leather, and hard wood, (BBE). ...
/l/leather.htm - 17k

Coloured (21 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 25:5 And sheepskins coloured red, and leather, and hard wood; (BBE). ...
Exodus 35:7 And sheepskins coloured red, and leather, and hard wood, (BBE). ...
/c/coloured.htm - 12k

Goatskins (8 Occurrences)
... Ascetics of different religions, especially of the Moslem sects, are frequently
seen going about Syria and Palestine today, clad in sheepskins or goatskins, a ...
/g/goatskins.htm - 8k

Killing (41 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:37 they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tried; in the
killing of the sword they died; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins ...
/k/killing.htm - 19k

Knives (12 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were cut up with knives, they were tested,
they were put to death with the sword, they went about in sheepskins and in ...
/k/knives.htm - 10k

Goat-skins (1 Occurrence)
... Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain
with the sword: they wandered about in sheep-skins, and goat-skins; being ...
/g/goat-skins.htm - 6k

Goats (134 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain
with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being ...
/g/goats.htm - 37k

Wandered (29 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain
with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being ...
/w/wandered.htm - 15k

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