Topical Encyclopedia The imagery of sheep is prevalent throughout the Bible, often symbolizing innocence, vulnerability, and the need for guidance. However, the metaphor of sheep is also used in the context of judgment and the fate of the wicked. The "Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death" refers to the biblical portrayal of the end of those who live in opposition to God's will, likening them to sheep led to slaughter.Biblical References One of the most poignant references to this concept is found in the book of Psalms. Psalm 49:14 states, "Like sheep they are destined for Sheol; Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule over them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode." This verse vividly depicts the fate of the wicked as being akin to sheep led to the grave, with death as their shepherd, contrasting their end with the ultimate triumph of the righteous. The prophet Jeremiah also uses similar imagery. In Jeremiah 12:3 , he pleads with God, "But You know me, O LORD; You see me, and You test my heart toward You. Drag them off like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage." Here, the wicked are compared to sheep being prepared for slaughter, emphasizing the inevitability of divine judgment. Theological Implications The metaphor of sheep in the context of the wicked's death underscores several theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the inevitability of divine justice. Just as sheep are led without resistance to their fate, so too are the wicked led to their ultimate end. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in defiance of God's commandments. Secondly, the imagery emphasizes the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the destiny of the righteous. While the wicked are likened to sheep destined for Sheol, the righteous are depicted as those who will rule over them. This dichotomy reinforces the biblical teaching that righteousness leads to life and honor, while wickedness leads to death and disgrace. Symbolism and Interpretation The use of sheep as a symbol for the wicked in their death also serves to illustrate the deceptive nature of sin. Sheep are often seen as harmless and gentle creatures, yet in the context of judgment, they are portrayed as being led to destruction. This can be interpreted as a warning against complacency and the false security that sin can bring. The wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, but their end is as certain as sheep being led to slaughter. Furthermore, the metaphor of death as a shepherd for the wicked contrasts sharply with the image of God as the Good Shepherd for the righteous, as seen in passages like Psalm 23. While God leads His faithful to green pastures and still waters, death leads the wicked to decay and ruin. This stark contrast serves to highlight the protective and nurturing role of God for those who follow Him, as opposed to the destructive path of those who reject His guidance. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the "Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death" serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of living apart from God's will. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Scripture communicates the certainty of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 49:14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of their Death, Falling ... That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ... That Christ is Called a Sheep and a Lamb who was to be Slain, and ... Book ii. How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth The Sheep and their Shepherd To Eusebius, Bishop of Persian Armenia. Of the Conversion of Evodius, and the Death of his Mother when ... 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 |
    |