Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the goat holds significant importance both as a domesticated animal and as a symbol in various religious practices. According to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament, the goat is considered a clean animal and is fit for consumption by the Israelites.Biblical References and Dietary Laws The classification of the goat as a clean animal is explicitly mentioned in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 11:1-3 states, "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Say to the Israelites, "Of all the beasts of the earth, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal with split hooves and that chews the cud."'" Goats, possessing both these characteristics, are thus deemed clean and permissible for consumption. Deuteronomy 14:4-6 reiterates this dietary law: "These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud." Cultural and Religious Significance Beyond their role as a source of food, goats were integral to the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. They were often used in various offerings and sacrifices, as outlined in Leviticus. For instance, Leviticus 4:23-24 describes the use of a goat as a sin offering: "If his sin that he has committed is made known to him, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering. He is to lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering." The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, also prominently features goats. Leviticus 16:7-10 describes the ritual involving two goats: "Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat." Symbolism and Metaphors In addition to their practical uses, goats are often employed metaphorically in Scripture. They can symbolize sin and separation from God, as seen in the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-33 : "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left." Conclusion The goat, as a clean animal, holds a multifaceted role in biblical texts, serving as a source of sustenance, a participant in religious rituals, and a symbol in parables and teachings. Its presence in the Scriptures underscores its importance in the daily and spiritual lives of the Israelites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 14:4,5These are the beasts which you shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ... "The Dust of the Actual" Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Leviticus Journey to Evora Striking Similes Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Scriptural Types. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... (And Last): Homeward Bound Resources What is the meaning of Azazel / the scapegoat? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a rite? | GotQuestions.org What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org Goat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Goat: As a Sacrifice by Abraham Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle Goat: Designated As One of the Ceremonially Clean Animals to be Eaten Goat: Hair of, Used for Clothing Goat: Nor Seethed in Its Mother's Milk The Goat: (Flock of) of the Church The Goat: Bashan Celebrated For The Goat: Clean and Fit for Food The Goat: First-Born of, not Redeemed The Goat: Flocks of, Always Led by a Male The Goat: Jews had Large Flocks of The Goat: Milk of, Used As Food The Goat: Most Profitable to the Owner The Goat: Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: Skin of, often Used As Clothing The Goat: The Arabians Traded In The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Curtains, for Covering the Tabernacle The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Pillows The Goat: The Hair of Offered for Tabernacle The Goat: The Male, Best for Sacrifice The Goat: The Young of Called Kids The Goat: The Young of Considered a Delicacy The Goat: The Young of Fed Near the Shepherds' Tents The Goat: The Young of Given As a Present The Goat: The Young of Kept in Small Flocks The Goat: The Young of not to be Seethed in Milk of Mother The Goat: The Young of Offered at the Passover The Goat: The Young of Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: when Wild Dwelt in the Hills and Rocks Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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