Topical Encyclopedia The term "Goat of the Wicked" is not a direct biblical phrase but is often associated with the imagery and symbolism found in various passages of the Bible, particularly in the context of judgment and separation between the righteous and the wicked. The goat, in biblical literature, frequently symbolizes sin, rebellion, and those who are not aligned with God's will.Biblical Symbolism of Goats In the Bible, goats are often contrasted with sheep, which symbolize the faithful and obedient followers of God. This contrast is most notably illustrated in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment where the Son of Man will separate the nations as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep, representing the righteous, are placed on His right and inherit the kingdom prepared for them. The goats, representing the wicked, are placed on His left and are sent away into eternal punishment. Matthew 25:32-33 states: "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." Old Testament References The Old Testament also provides significant insights into the symbolism of goats. In Leviticus 16, during the Day of Atonement, two goats are used in the ritual. One goat is sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other, known as the scapegoat, is sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying the sins of the people away. This ritual underscores the concept of atonement and the removal of sin, highlighting the separation between holiness and wickedness. Leviticus 16:10 explains: "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." Prophetic and Apocalyptic Imagery In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, goats are sometimes used to represent powerful and rebellious nations or leaders. In Daniel 8, the vision of the ram and the goat depicts the conflict between the Medo-Persian Empire and the Greek Empire, with the goat symbolizing Greece under Alexander the Great. This imagery emphasizes the themes of conflict, dominance, and the eventual downfall of those who oppose God's sovereign plan. Daniel 8:21 states: "The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king." Moral and Spiritual Lessons The imagery of goats in the Bible serves as a moral and spiritual lesson about the consequences of wickedness and rebellion against God. The separation of sheep and goats in Matthew 25 is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of righteousness, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments. It underscores the reality of divine judgment and the eternal destinies that await both the righteous and the wicked. In summary, while the phrase "Goat of the Wicked" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the symbolism of goats throughout Scripture provides a profound understanding of the nature of wickedness and the ultimate separation between those who follow God and those who do not. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers to examine their lives, align with God's will, and strive for righteousness in anticipation of the final judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 10:3My anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts has visited his flock the house of Judah, and has made them as his goodly horse in the battle. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:32,33 Greek 2055. eriphion -- a little young goat ... goat. From eriphos; a kidling, ie (genitive case) goat (symbolically, wicked person) -- goat. see GREEK eriphos. (eriphia) -- 1 Occurrence. 2054, 2055. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2055.htm - 6k Library The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph Mark Now, Whether He who Charges us with Having Committed Errors ... Appendix. Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth All Association with Idols is to be Avoided. On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs. Hebrews xi. 13-16 Of Certain Deities Peculiar to Barbarians, and their Sacred Rites ... 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) |
    |