Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sheep held significant economic, cultural, and religious importance for the Jewish people. They were integral to daily life, serving as a primary source of food, clothing, and sacrificial offerings. The symbolism of sheep is deeply woven into the fabric of Jewish religious texts and traditions, often representing purity, innocence, and the faithful community of God's people.Economic and Cultural Importance Sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy in ancient Israel. They provided wool for clothing, milk for nourishment, and meat for sustenance. The pastoral lifestyle, with its emphasis on shepherding, was a common occupation, as seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and David. The wealth of a family or tribe was often measured by the size of their flocks, as indicated in Genesis 13:2, where Abram is described as "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold." Religious Significance Sheep held a central role in the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is one of the most significant examples, where each household was instructed to select a lamb without blemish, symbolizing the purity required for atonement. This event prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," as noted in John 1:29. The daily sacrifices in the Temple also included offerings of sheep, as outlined in Numbers 28:3-4: "This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD: two unblemished year-old lambs each day, as a regular burnt offering." These sacrifices were a constant reminder of the need for atonement and the holiness of God. Symbolism and Metaphor Sheep are frequently used metaphorically in the Bible to represent the people of God. The imagery of God as a shepherd and His people as sheep is a recurring theme, emphasizing care, guidance, and protection. Psalm 23:1 famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," illustrating the intimate relationship between God and His followers. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). This metaphor highlights His sacrificial love and the security found in His care. Believers are often referred to as His flock, underscoring the communal aspect of faith and the importance of following the Shepherd's voice. Moral and Ethical Lessons The behavior of sheep, known for their tendency to stray and their need for guidance, serves as a moral lesson in Scripture. Isaiah 53:6 states, "We all like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way." This verse underscores the human propensity to wander from God's path and the necessity of divine intervention for redemption. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7 further illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the wayward, emphasizing His joy in the repentance and return of a sinner. This parable reinforces the value of each individual within the community of believers and the boundless grace of God. In summary, sheep in the Jewish context are emblematic of both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life. They serve as a powerful symbol of God's provision, the need for atonement, and the relationship between the divine Shepherd and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 74:1O God, why have you cast us off for ever? why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:52 Psalm 79:13 Library Spiritual Meaning of the Passover. That Christ is Called a Sheep and a Lamb who was to be Slain, and ... Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He ... The New Covenant, Founded on the Sufferings of Christ, Tends to ... And Jesus Said, to Judge the World am I Come... Refutation of the Jews Whether Christ Should have Preached not Only to the Jews, but Also ... The Man Born Blind, and Lazarus. The Good Shepherd. Christ's Word, Seek, and Ye Shall Find, no Warrant for Heretical ... 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 |
    |