A sheepcote, also known as a sheepfold, is a structure or enclosure used for housing and protecting sheep. In biblical times, sheepcotes were essential for the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. These enclosures provided safety for the sheep from predators and harsh weather conditions, and they were often constructed with stone walls or wooden fences.

Biblical References:

The term "sheepcote" appears in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its significance in the daily life and economy of ancient Israel. One notable reference is found in 1 Samuel 24:3, where David seeks refuge in a sheepcote: "He came to the sheepfolds along the way, and a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave" . This passage highlights the dual use of sheepcotes as both animal enclosures and places of refuge.

In 2 Samuel 7:8, God speaks to David through the prophet Nathan, reminding him of his humble beginnings as a shepherd: "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’" . This reference underscores the pastoral roots of David, who was called from the sheepcote to lead the nation of Israel.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:

Sheepcotes carry rich symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing God's care and protection for His people. The imagery of a shepherd tending to his flock is frequently used to describe God's relationship with Israel. Psalm 23, one of the most beloved psalms, begins with the metaphor of the Lord as a shepherd: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" . This psalm conveys the idea of divine guidance and provision, akin to a shepherd's role in leading and caring for his sheep within the safety of the sheepcote.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd, further expanding on the sheepcote imagery. In John 10:14-15, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep" . Here, the sheepcote symbolizes the spiritual security and salvation offered through Christ, who protects and sacrifices for His flock.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Sheepcotes were a common feature in the agrarian society of ancient Israel, reflecting the importance of sheep herding in the region's economy. Sheep provided wool, milk, and meat, making them valuable assets. The construction of sheepcotes varied depending on the local environment and available materials, but their primary function remained the same: to safeguard the flock.

The role of the shepherd, who often lived in close proximity to the sheepcote, was crucial. Shepherds were responsible for leading the sheep to pasture, ensuring their safety, and bringing them back to the fold each night. This daily routine is emblematic of the vigilance and dedication required to maintain the well-being of the flock.

In summary, the sheepcote serves as a powerful biblical symbol of protection, guidance, and divine care, deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of ancient Israel. Its presence in Scripture offers insight into the spiritual relationship between God and His people, as well as the historical context of shepherding in biblical times.(n.) A small inclosure for sheep; a pen; a fold.SHEEPCOTE; SHEEPFOLD

shep'-kot, shep'-kot, shep'-fold (gedherah, mikhlah, mishpethayim, naweh; aule): At night the sheep are driven into a sheepfold if they are in a district where there is danger from robbers or wild beasts. These folds are simple walled enclosures (Numbers 32:16 Judges 5:16 2 Chronicles 32:28 Psalm 78:70 Zephaniah 2:6 John 10:1). On the top of the wall is heaped thorny brushwood as a further safeguard. Sometimes there is a covered hut in the corner for the shepherd. Where there is no danger the sheep huddle together in the open until daylight, while the shepherd watches over them (Genesis 31:39 Luke 2:8). In the winter time caves are sought after (1 Samuel 24:3 Zephaniah 2:6). The antiquity of the use of some of the caves for this purpose is indicated by the thick deposit of potassium nitrate formed from the decomposition of the sheep dung.

James A. Patch

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
... Sheep (3), sheep (99), sheepfolds* (3), sheepshearers* (1). small cattle,
flock, lamb, sheepcote,. Or tsaown (Psalm 144:13) {tseh-one ...
/hebrew/6629.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

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

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

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

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

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

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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