Topical Bible: Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes

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In biblical times, sheep were integral to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Among sheep, the females are specifically referred to as ewes. Ewes held significant economic and symbolic value, providing wool, milk, and offspring, which were essential for sustaining the livelihood of shepherds and their families.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Ewes are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often highlighting their role in pastoral life and sacrificial systems. In Genesis 31:38, Jacob speaks to Laban, saying, "These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and female goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock." This passage underscores the importance of ewes in maintaining a healthy and productive flock, as well as Jacob's integrity in caring for them.

The imagery of ewes is also used metaphorically in Scripture. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter, a poignant image that evokes the innocence and vulnerability of sheep, including ewes. This metaphor is further enriched by the sacrificial system, where lambs, often born of ewes, were offered as atonement for sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Role in Sacrificial Practices

Ewes, as the mothers of lambs, were indirectly involved in the sacrificial practices of ancient Israel. While the sacrificial system primarily required male lambs, the health and fertility of ewes were crucial for producing these offerings. Leviticus 22:27 states, "When an ox, a sheep, or a goat is born, it shall remain with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as an offering made by fire to the LORD." This regulation highlights the nurturing role of ewes in the early life of sacrificial animals.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Ewes were vital to the economy of ancient Israel. Their wool was a primary material for clothing and textiles, and their milk was used for nourishment and making cheese. Proverbs 27:26-27 reflects this economic importance: "The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you, your household, and your maidservants." This passage illustrates the reliance on ewes and their offspring for sustenance and trade.

Ewes in Parables and Teachings

Jesus often used sheep and shepherding imagery in His teachings, drawing on the familiar experiences of His audience. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), while ewes are not explicitly mentioned, the parable's context would have been well understood by those who knew the value of each sheep, including the ewes that bore them. This parable emphasizes God's care and concern for each individual, akin to a shepherd's dedication to his flock.

In summary, ewes, as the female members of the sheep family, played a crucial role in the biblical world, both practically and symbolically. Their presence in Scripture highlights themes of provision, sacrifice, and divine care, reflecting the broader pastoral and theological landscape of the Bible.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 78:71
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Origin of Species.
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