Topical Bible: The Lamb: An Extensive Commerce In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lamb holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, both as a literal animal and as a profound symbol. In ancient Israel, the lamb was central to religious, economic, and cultural life, reflecting its extensive commerce and deep spiritual symbolism.

Economic and Cultural Significance

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, lambs were a vital part of the economy. They were raised for their meat, wool, and milk, providing essential resources for daily life. The commerce in lambs was extensive, as they were a common commodity in trade and barter systems. The prosperity of a household was often measured by the size of its flocks, as seen in the wealth of patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob, who possessed large herds (Genesis 13:2; 30:43).

The lamb's economic importance is further highlighted in the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law. Lambs were frequently offered as sacrifices, underscoring their availability and value. The Passover lamb, in particular, was central to Jewish religious practice, commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:3-11). This annual event required the slaughter of a lamb for each household, indicating a significant demand and commerce in lambs during this period.

Religious and Symbolic Significance

The lamb's role in religious rituals underscores its symbolic importance. In the sacrificial system, lambs were often used for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings (Leviticus 1:10; 4:32; 3:7). The requirement for a lamb to be "without blemish" (Exodus 12:5) symbolized purity and perfection, pointing to the need for holiness in worship.

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament also employs the imagery of the lamb to convey deeper spiritual truths. Isaiah 53:7, for instance, describes the Suffering Servant as "a lamb led to the slaughter," prefiguring the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

In the Book of Revelation, the lamb is a central figure, representing Jesus Christ in His redemptive role. Revelation 5:6 depicts a "Lamb standing as though it had been slain," symbolizing Christ's victory over sin and death. The Lamb's worthiness to open the scroll and execute God's plan of redemption is celebrated in the heavenly worship scenes (Revelation 5:12).

Conclusion

The extensive commerce in lambs in biblical times reflects their economic, cultural, and religious significance. As both a literal commodity and a profound symbol, the lamb occupies a unique place in Scripture, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:17
That you may buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
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

Library

John.
... of the 15th), and represents Christ as the true paschal lamb slain at ... principal cities
of the Eastern world, the centre of extensive commerce, the metropolis ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

The Wisdom of God's Counsels
... as the wisdom of God, in its most extensive meaning, must ... Meek, simple followers
of the Lamb,. ... stand aloof from them, to have no needless commerce with unholy ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 68 the wisdom of.htm

Carey as an Educator --The First Christian College in the East
... Commerce has roused new thoughts and awakened new energies ... thousand messages of love
from the Lamb in the ... have made it the centre of extensive and successful ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiv carey as an.htm

An American Reformer.
... thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God ... That was the most extensive
and wonderful display of falling ... In the New York Journal of Commerce of Nov.14 ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. ... That was the most extensive
and wonderful display of ... In the New York Journal of Commerce of November 14 ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... so many local advantages for commerce, as before said ... for redemption in the blood
of the Lamb. ... which had now obtained an extensive circulation, particularly ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... with knowledge from various sources, and having a fund of anecdote at command, which
he had treasured up from various reading and extensive intercourse with ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... was carried on through the mouths of the Nile, and of this commerce the Phoenicians ...
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Many of these country magnates held extensive fiefs, and had in their pay small ... of
their court and people, and the countless riches which the commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... In the Nashville district also, through the agency of camp meetings, there were
extensive revivals of religion throughout nearly all the circuits within the ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm