In the biblical context, lambs hold significant symbolic and literal importance. The term "lamb" refers to the young of sheep and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing innocence, purity, and sacrifice.

Symbolism and Sacrifice

Lambs are central to the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is a prime example. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to their doorposts as a sign for the angel of death to pass over their homes. This event is foundational to the Jewish Passover celebration and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God."

In the New Testament, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29). This identification underscores the belief in Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and providing redemption for humanity.

Innocence and Purity

Lambs are often associated with innocence and purity, qualities that are highly valued in biblical teachings. In Isaiah 11:6, the peaceful coexistence of a lamb with a wolf is used to illustrate the harmony and innocence of God's future kingdom: "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" .

Pastoral Imagery

The pastoral imagery of lambs is prevalent in the Bible, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Shepherds caring for their flocks, including lambs, are a common motif. Psalm 23, one of the most beloved psalms, portrays the Lord as a shepherd who provides and cares for His flock: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This imagery emphasizes God's guidance, provision, and protection.

Moral and Ethical Teachings

Lambs are also used in moral and ethical teachings. In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus uses the parable of the lost sheep to illustrate God's concern for each individual and His desire for their return to righteousness. The parable highlights the value of every soul and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

In the book of Revelation, the lamb is a central figure in the eschatological vision. Revelation 5:6 describes a lamb standing as though it had been slain, symbolizing Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and victory: "Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders" . The lamb's role in the unfolding of God's final plan underscores its significance in biblical prophecy.

Throughout the Bible, lambs are emblematic of sacrifice, purity, and divine care, serving as a profound symbol of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ.Exodus 12:3
Speak you to all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatted calf together; and a little child shall lead them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Feeding the Lambs.
Food for the Lambs; or, Helps for Young Christians. ... to the work to which the Lord
had called me in one ... God, I came upon the most beautiful flock of sheep it had ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/feeding the lambs.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... also are, on account of the bloom of youth, called by the flattering name of young
maidens. ... alludes to the simple children, as if they were sheep and lambs ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

Imperial Caesar
... he said disjointedly to the tribune he had called Carus, "and ... further plea that would
give him his sheep again, the presence of the young Roman appealed to ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

By the Sea once More
... knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Again Jesus said to him, "Feed
My sheep.". ... It called him to minister to those who were young in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... back to his own house at a place called Gibeah; and ... He said: "Send me your son David,
who is with the sheep. ... loved him, as did everybody who saw the young David ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
... Lambs and sheep are to be fed, and sheep are to be ... The former means that young and
old in the church are ... by the name by which he had first called him, noting ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxl seventh appearance of jesus.htm

His Own Funeral Sermon
... on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it ... His father said
that he was too young, and kept him ... to be sent out to fold the sheep one night ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/his own funeral sermon.htm

The Good Shepherd
... David is called the shepherd of Israel ... in his bosom, and shall gently lead those
who are with young.'. ... he adds, The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxvii the good shepherd.htm

The Great Shepherd
... and anxiety they have for their young ones, the ... office of under-shepherd, and are
called, by their profession and engagement, to feed His sheep and lambs ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... not a mere boy when the prophet Samuel called him from ... a lion that sprang upon one
of his sheep as they ... that tried to seize one of his young lambs; for David ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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