Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, sheep held significant economic and cultural value, often serving as a form of currency or tribute. The practice of giving sheep as tribute is well-documented in the Bible, reflecting the agrarian society in which the Israelites lived. Sheep were not only a source of wool, milk, and meat but also a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Consequently, they were frequently used in transactions, offerings, and as tribute to rulers or foreign powers.Biblical Instances of Sheep as Tribute 1. 2 Kings 3:4 · One of the clearest examples of sheep being given as tribute is found in the account of Mesha, the king of Moab. The Bible records, "Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he used to pay the king of Israel a tribute of a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams." . This passage highlights the substantial number of sheep involved in such tributes, underscoring their importance in diplomatic and economic relations. 2. 1 Samuel 25:2-3 · The account of Nabal, a wealthy man from Maon, provides another example. Nabal's wealth is described in terms of his livestock: "Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel, and the man was very wealthy; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats." . Although this passage does not explicitly mention tribute, it illustrates the potential for sheep to be used in negotiations or as gifts to curry favor, as seen later in the narrative when David requests provisions. 3. 2 Chronicles 17:11 · During the reign of Jehoshaphat, the Philistines and Arabians brought tribute to the king, which included livestock: "Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats." . This instance demonstrates the use of sheep and other livestock as a means of establishing and maintaining political alliances. Cultural and Religious Significance Sheep were integral to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, further elevating their status within Israelite society. The offering of sheep as sacrifices to God was a common practice, symbolizing atonement and devotion. This religious significance likely contributed to their use as tribute, as they were seen as valuable and worthy offerings. The pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, also emphasized the importance of sheep. Their wealth and prosperity were often measured by the size of their flocks, reinforcing the notion that sheep were a vital component of economic and social status. Conclusion The use of sheep as tribute in the Bible reflects their multifaceted role in ancient Israelite society. As a symbol of wealth, a means of economic exchange, and a religious offering, sheep were a valuable commodity that facilitated political and social interactions. The biblical accounts of sheep given as tribute provide insight into the economic practices and cultural values of the time, illustrating the centrality of livestock in the lives of the people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 3:4And Mesha king of Moab was a sheep master, and rendered to the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 17:11 Library A Liberal Church Chapter xxix Second Sunday after Easter The Twelve and the Seventy. Babylonia and Assyria The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ... A Warning to Believers 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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