Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, goats were an integral part of pastoral life and held significant economic and symbolic value. The young of goats, often referred to simply as "kids," were typically kept in small flocks, reflecting their importance in the daily life and sustenance of ancient communities.Biblical References and Symbolism Goats are mentioned frequently throughout the Bible, often in the context of livestock and sacrificial practices. In Genesis 27:9, Rebekah instructs Jacob to "Go to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare them as a tasty meal for your father, just the way he likes." This passage highlights the domestication and availability of goats as a food source. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament also prominently features goats. Leviticus 16:7-10 describes the ritual of the Day of Atonement, where two goats are selected: one for the Lord and the other as the scapegoat, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. This practice underscores the spiritual significance attributed to goats within the Israelite sacrificial system. Economic and Practical Importance In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, goats were valued for their milk, meat, and hair. Proverbs 27:26-27 states, "The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you, your household, and your maidservants." This passage illustrates the economic role goats played in providing sustenance and resources for families. The small flocks of goats were often tended by shepherds, who were responsible for their care and protection. The imagery of shepherding is prevalent in Scripture, with notable figures such as David beginning their lives as shepherds. The care of goats and sheep required vigilance and dedication, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of the time. Moral and Spiritual Lessons Goats also serve as a metaphor in biblical teachings. In Matthew 25:32-33, Jesus uses the imagery of separating sheep from 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." Here, goats symbolize those who fail to live according to God's commandments, contrasting with the obedient sheep. The distinction between sheep and goats in this parable emphasizes the moral and spiritual discernment expected of believers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous living and the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual duties. Cultural Context In the cultural context of the Bible, goats were often associated with fertility and vitality. Their ability to thrive in arid environments made them a reliable source of livelihood for many communities. The small flocks of goats, easily managed and maintained, were a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of ancient pastoralists. Overall, the young of goats, kept in small flocks, represent a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, encompassing economic, spiritual, and moral dimensions. Their presence in Scripture offers insight into the daily life and religious practices of the ancient world, while also providing enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 20:27And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Journey to Evora The Life of S. Hilarion. The Gods of Egypt Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel The Evolution of Language The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Nile and Egypt Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Baphomet? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | 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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