Sheepcotes, also known as sheepfolds, are enclosures or shelters used for housing and protecting sheep. These structures are mentioned several times in the Bible, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel and the importance of sheep herding in biblical times. Sheepcotes were essential for safeguarding sheep from predators and harsh weather, as well as for organizing and managing flocks.

In the Old Testament, sheepcotes are referenced in the context of pastoral life and the responsibilities of shepherds. One notable mention is found in 1 Samuel 24:3, where David, before he became king, sought refuge in the wilderness of En Gedi. The passage states, "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" . Here, the sheepcotes are depicted as part of the natural landscape, providing shelter not only for sheep but also for David and his men.

Sheepcotes are also mentioned in the context of the tribe of Gad. In 1 Chronicles 5:16, it is recorded, "The Gadites lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its towns, and throughout the pasturelands of Sharon." The reference to pasturelands implies the presence of sheepcotes, as these areas were used for grazing and managing livestock.

The imagery of sheepcotes and shepherding is deeply woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of the Bible. Shepherds were responsible for leading, feeding, and protecting their flocks, a role that is often used metaphorically to describe leadership and care. This is exemplified in the well-known Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd who provides and cares for His people.

In the New Testament, the imagery of sheep and shepherds continues to hold significant theological meaning. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11, where He states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" . This metaphor highlights the sacrificial love and protective care that Christ offers to His followers, drawing a parallel to the responsibilities of a shepherd tending to his sheep.

Sheepcotes, therefore, are not merely physical structures but also serve as a symbol of divine care and guidance throughout the biblical narrative. They remind believers of the pastoral imagery that underscores God's relationship with His people, emphasizing themes of protection, provision, and leadership.

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... Long before the shepherd king, who had been taken from the sheepcotes to rule over
Israel, sang his immortal psalm, the same occupation had suggested the same ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

The Shepherd-King
... and thereby magnifies both the sovereign freedom of His choice and the power of
His Spirit, which takes the stripling from the sheepcotes and qualifies him to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 24:3 And he
came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and ...
/s/sheepcotes.htm - 6k

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

Sheep-cotes (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-cotes. Sheepcotes, Sheep-cotes. Sheep-farmer . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Sheepcotes, Sheep-cotes. Sheep-farmer . Reference Bible.
/s/sheep-cotes.htm - 6k

Sides (170 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul
went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of ...
/s/sides.htm - 38k

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