Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the motif of the lamb as a sacrificial offering is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel. The lamb, often symbolizing innocence and purity, is a central figure in the sacrificial system established by God for His people. This entry explores the concept of the lamb consumed in sacrifice, particularly in the context of complete destruction, as seen through various scriptural accounts.Old Testament Context The sacrificial lamb is first prominently featured in the Passover narrative of Exodus 12. Here, the Israelites are instructed to select a lamb "without blemish, a year-old male" (Exodus 12:5) to be slaughtered at twilight. The blood of the lamb was to be applied to the doorposts and lintels of their homes, serving as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" and spare the firstborn of Israel during the final plague in Egypt. This act of sacrifice and the subsequent consumption of the lamb marked the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage, symbolizing both protection and redemption. The concept of complete destruction is further illustrated in the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus. The burnt offering, or "olah," required the entire animal to be consumed by fire on the altar, signifying total dedication to God. Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD" . This complete consumption underscores the idea of total surrender and the obliteration of sin through sacrifice. Prophetic Imagery The prophetic literature of the Old Testament also employs the imagery of the sacrificial lamb. Isaiah 53 presents the Suffering Servant as a lamb led to the slaughter, bearing the iniquities of many. Isaiah 53:7 states, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . This passage foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would be consumed in the act of atoning for the sins of humanity. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the sacrificial lamb finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The crucifixion of Christ is the consummate act of sacrifice, where He is wholly given over to death for the redemption of mankind. The Book of Revelation further emphasizes this imagery, depicting the Lamb as both the sacrificial victim and the triumphant victor. Revelation 5:12 proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" . Theological Significance The theme of the lamb consumed in sacrifice for complete destruction is rich with theological significance. It encapsulates the concepts of atonement, redemption, and divine justice. The sacrificial lamb serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision for sin and His ultimate plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. The complete destruction of the lamb in sacrifice underscores the totality of Christ's offering, which fully satisfies the righteous demands of God and secures eternal life for believers. In conclusion, the motif of the lamb consumed in sacrifice is a profound testament to God's redemptive work throughout biblical history. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose death and resurrection bring about the complete destruction of sin and the promise of new life for all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 37:20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy The French Reformation. The French Reformation The Acceptable Sacrifice; The Baptism in Fire In the Holy of Holies. Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' In the Holy of Holies Of the Modes of Supplementing Satisfaction --viz. Indulgences and ... Antichrist. Resources What is the Passover Lamb? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God? | GotQuestions.org How should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org Lamb: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lamb: Not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished The Lamb of Christ As a Sacrifice The Lamb: (Among Wolves) of Ministers Among the Ungodly The Lamb: (Brought to Slaughter) of the Wicked Under Judgments The Lamb: (Consumed in Sacrifice) of Complete Destruction of The The Lamb: (Deserted and Exposed) of Israel Deprived of God's The Lamb: (Patience of) the Patience of Christ The Lamb: An Extensive Commerce In The Lamb: Considered a Great Delicacy The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of The Lamb: Exposed to Danger from Wild Beasts The Lamb: Numbers of, Given by Josiah to the People for Sacrifice The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice by the Wicked not Accepted The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At a Year Old The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At the Passover The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Every Morning and Evening The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Females The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: from the Earliest Times The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Males The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: While Sucking The Lamb: The First Born of an Donkey to be Redeemed With The Lamb: The Image of, Was the First Impression of on Money The Lamb: The Shepherd's Care For The Lamb: The Young of the Flock The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In 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) |
    |