Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sheep are frequently used as symbols of innocence, purity, and vulnerability. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where sheep were a common part of daily life and held significant economic and religious value.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, sheep are often associated with innocence and sacrifice. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law frequently required the offering of lambs, which were to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and innocence. In Exodus 12:5, the Passover lamb is described: "Your lamb must be an unblemished male, a year old. You may take it from the sheep or the goats." This requirement underscores the importance of innocence in sacrificial offerings. The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of sheep to convey innocence and submission in Isaiah 53:7, a passage often interpreted as a messianic prophecy: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." Here, the sheep's silence and submission highlight the innocence and willing sacrifice of the suffering servant. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is frequently depicted as the Lamb of God, a title that emphasizes His innocence and sacrificial role. John the Baptist declares in John 1:29, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This statement identifies Jesus as the ultimate innocent sacrifice, fulfilling the typology of the Old Testament sacrificial lambs. The innocence of sheep is further illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep, found in Luke 15:4-7. In this parable, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, demonstrating the value and care given to each innocent sheep. This parable highlights God's love and concern for each individual, emphasizing the innocence and vulnerability of the sheep. Symbolism in Christian Theology In Christian theology, sheep often symbolize the followers of Christ, who are called to be innocent and pure in their faith. Jesus refers to His followers as sheep in John 10:14-15: "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." This passage underscores the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, emphasizing the innocence and dependence of the sheep on the shepherd's guidance and protection. The imagery of sheep as innocent creatures is also evident in the eschatological vision of Revelation. In Revelation 7:17, the Lamb is depicted as a shepherd: "For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This vision portrays the ultimate fulfillment of the innocent Lamb's role as both sacrifice and shepherd, guiding and caring for His flock. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, sheep are consistently portrayed as symbols of innocence, purity, and vulnerability. This imagery serves to illustrate key theological concepts, including the sacrificial system, the nature of Christ as the Lamb of God, and the relationship between believers and their divine Shepherd. The consistent use of sheep as a metaphor for innocence underscores the importance of purity and submission in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 24:17And David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, See, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let your hand, I pray you, be against me, and against my father's house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Thou Spreadest Before Me a Table in the Presence of Mine Enemies. Demonstration x. --Of Pastors. Thy Teeth are as a Flock of Sheep which Go up from the Washing ... Christ as a Servant, as the Lamb of God, and as the Man whom John ... Innocent the Third (Ad 1198-1216) The Good Shepherd He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Justice for his Name's Sake. Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | 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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