Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sheep were a central part of agrarian life and held significant economic and symbolic value. The imagery of sheep and shepherding is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often used to convey spiritual truths and divine care. One particular aspect of this imagery is the feeding of flocks on the mountains, which carries both literal and metaphorical meanings.Biblical Context Sheep were commonly grazed on the hills and mountains of ancient Israel, where the terrain provided ample pasture. The mountainous regions offered a variety of grasses and herbs, essential for the nourishment and health of the flocks. This practice is reflected in several biblical passages, where the mountains are depicted as places of sustenance and provision for sheep. Scriptural References The prophet Ezekiel speaks of the mountains as places where sheep are fed, highlighting God's provision and care for His people. In Ezekiel 34:13-14 , the Lord declares, "I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. I will tend them in good pasture, and their grazing place will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel." This passage not only describes the physical act of feeding sheep on the mountains but also serves as a metaphor for God's restoration and care for His people, Israel. The mountains symbolize a place of safety, abundance, and divine provision. Symbolic Meaning The imagery of sheep being fed on the mountains extends beyond the literal to convey deeper spiritual truths. In the Bible, sheep often represent God's people, and the shepherd represents God or His appointed leaders. The act of feeding sheep on the mountains symbolizes God's nurturing and sustaining presence, providing spiritual nourishment and guidance. Psalm 23, one of the most beloved psalms, captures this theme beautifully. Although it does not explicitly mention mountains, the psalmist speaks of the Lord as a shepherd who leads His sheep to green pastures and still waters, reflecting the same divine care and provision found in the mountainous imagery. The Role of the Shepherd The shepherd's role in leading the sheep to the mountains is crucial. A good shepherd knows where to find the best pastures and ensures the safety and well-being of the flock. This role is epitomized in the figure of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11 : "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." In this context, the mountains can also be seen as places of spiritual elevation, where believers are led to higher truths and deeper communion with God. The shepherd's guidance ensures that the flock is not only physically fed but also spiritually enriched. Conclusion The biblical imagery of sheep being fed on the mountains is rich with meaning, illustrating God's provision, care, and guidance for His people. It serves as a reminder of the divine shepherd's role in leading His flock to places of abundance and safety, both physically and spiritually. Through this imagery, believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithful provision and to seek His guidance in their spiritual journey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 3:1Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 34:6,13 Library The Sheep and their Shepherd On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd ... Here Beginneth the Story of Judith Palestine under Pagan Kings. National Wealth The Shepherd King of Israel Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Continued. The Waldenses. The Waldenses Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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