Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the lamb as a sacrificial offering is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, symbolizing innocence, purity, and the ultimate sacrifice for atonement. Throughout Scripture, the lamb serves as a pivotal element in the confirmation of covenants between God and His people, illustrating both divine provision and the necessity of atonement for sin.Old Testament Foundations The use of a lamb in covenantal contexts is first prominently seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. As Abraham prepares to obey, God provides a ram as a substitute, highlighting the principle of substitutionary atonement. This event foreshadows the ultimate provision of a sacrificial lamb for humanity's redemption. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is another critical instance where a lamb confirms a covenant. God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to their doorposts. This act serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their homes during the final plague in Egypt, sparing the firstborn of Israel. The Passover lamb thus becomes a symbol of deliverance and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, as God leads His people out of bondage. The Prophetic Lamb The prophetic literature of the Old Testament also points to the significance of the lamb in God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 53:7 speaks of the Suffering Servant, who is "led like a lamb to the slaughter," prefiguring the Messiah's sacrificial role. This imagery underscores the innocence and submission of the Servant, who bears the iniquities of many. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the symbolism of the lamb reaches its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This declaration affirms Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, whose death confirms the New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Apostle Paul further elucidates this connection in 1 Corinthians 5:7, where he refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb," sacrificed for the redemption of humanity. The Book of Revelation also emphasizes the centrality of the Lamb in the heavenly vision, where the Lamb is worthy to open the scroll and execute God's final judgment and redemption (Revelation 5:6-14). Theological Implications The gift of the lamb in biblical covenants underscores several theological themes. It highlights God's provision and grace, as He provides a means for atonement and reconciliation. The lamb also represents the necessity of a pure and blameless sacrifice to satisfy divine justice. In the New Covenant, Jesus, the Lamb of God, embodies these principles, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to establish an eternal covenant between God and humanity. The recurring motif of the lamb throughout Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the profound cost of redemption. Through the gift of the lamb, covenants are confirmed, and the path to reconciliation with God is made clear. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:28-30And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Life of Mr. James Renwick. The Priesthood of Christ Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. Miscellaneous Subjects. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Covenant Duties. Go in Peace Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Dialogue i. --The Immutable. Of the Sacraments. Resources What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | 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) |
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