Topical Encyclopedia A "sucking-lamb" refers to a young lamb that is still nursing from its mother. In biblical times, the imagery of a sucking-lamb was often used to convey innocence, purity, and the early stages of life. The term is emblematic of the pastoral and agrarian society in which the biblical narratives were set, where sheep and lambs were integral to daily life and religious practices.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 11:6 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a sucking-lamb to illustrate the peace and harmony of the Messianic age: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them." Here, the lamb represents vulnerability and innocence, highlighting the transformative peace that will characterize the reign of the Messiah. 2. 1 Samuel 7:9 · In this passage, Samuel offers a sucking-lamb as a burnt offering to the Lord: "Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. And he cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him." The offering of a sucking-lamb signifies a pure and unblemished sacrifice, symbolizing total devotion and the seeking of divine favor. 3. Isaiah 65:25 · Similar to Isaiah 11:6, this verse also uses the imagery of a lamb to depict a future time of peace: "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the serpent’s food will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, says the LORD." The lamb here is part of a vision of restored creation, where natural enemies coexist peacefully. Symbolism and Significance: In the biblical context, the sucking-lamb is often associated with themes of sacrifice, purity, and peace. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament frequently required offerings of unblemished animals, and a sucking-lamb, being young and without defect, was considered an ideal offering. This reflects the broader biblical theme of offering one's best to God, as seen in the sacrificial practices outlined in Leviticus. The imagery of the lamb also carries forward into the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), symbolizing His role as the ultimate, pure sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The innocence and purity of a sucking-lamb thus prefigure the sinless nature of Christ and His sacrificial death. Cultural and Religious Context: In ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the economy and religious life. Shepherding was a common occupation, and sheep provided wool, milk, and meat. The care of lambs, especially those still nursing, required attention and protection, reflecting the pastoral care that God provides for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." The use of a sucking-lamb in religious rituals underscores the importance of purity and dedication in worship. It serves as a reminder of the need for believers to approach God with sincerity and a heart free from blemish, echoing the call to holiness found throughout Scripture. In summary, the sucking-lamb is a powerful biblical symbol that encapsulates themes of innocence, sacrifice, and divine peace, resonating deeply within the Judeo-Christian tradition. Library Prayer They Shall be Called the Children of God Repentance and victory The Expedition of the Philistines against the Hebrews and the ... Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ... The Mercy of God Israel's Hope Encouraged; The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Sucking-lamb (1 Occurrence)Sucking-lamb. Sucking, Sucking-lamb. Suckle . Multi-Version Concordance Sucking-lamb (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 7:9 And ... /s/sucking-lamb.htm - 6k Sucking (7 Occurrences) Lamb (124 Occurrences) Suckling (19 Occurrences) Suckle (5 Occurrences) Wholly (67 Occurrences) Israel's (72 Occurrences) Samuel (129 Occurrences) Resources What is the Passover Lamb? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God? | GotQuestions.org What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sucking-lamb (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 7:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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