Topical Bible: The Goat: The Arabians Traded In

◄ The Goat: The Arabians Traded In ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, goats held significant economic and cultural value, particularly among the Arabian traders. The Bible references goats in various contexts, highlighting their importance in trade, agriculture, and religious practices.

Biblical References and Economic Importance

Goats are frequently mentioned in the Bible as valuable livestock. In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet speaks of the trade practices of the Arabians, who were known for their commerce in livestock, including goats. Ezekiel 27:21 states, "Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats." This passage underscores the role of goats as a commodity in the bustling trade networks of the ancient world, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Arabian traders, known for their caravans and extensive trade routes, would have found goats to be a practical and profitable asset. Goats provided milk, meat, and hides, making them a versatile resource. Their ability to thrive in arid environments made them particularly suited to the Arabian landscape, where they could be easily raised and traded.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In addition to their economic value, goats held cultural and religious significance in biblical times. They were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 4:23-24 describes the use of a male goat as a sin offering, illustrating the goat's role in the religious life of the Israelites: "If his sin that he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring an unblemished male goat as his offering. He shall lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering."

The use of goats in sacrificial rituals symbolized atonement and purification, reflecting their spiritual significance. The scapegoat, as described in Leviticus 16:10 , is another example of the goat's role in religious practices: "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 Metaphorical Use

Goats also appear in biblical literature as symbols and metaphors. In Matthew 25:32-33 , Jesus uses the imagery of sheep and goats to illustrate the final judgment: "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." In this parable, goats represent those who are separated from the righteous, highlighting their metaphorical use in moral and spiritual teachings.

Conclusion

The goat, as traded by the Arabians, represents a multifaceted element of biblical history, encompassing economic, cultural, and religious dimensions. Its presence in the Scriptures reflects the broader significance of livestock in the ancient world and provides insight into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the people of that era.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:21
Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with you in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they your merchants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook