Topical Encyclopedia The term "lamb" in the Bible often refers to the young of the flock, specifically the offspring of sheep. In biblical times, lambs held significant agricultural and economic value, serving as a source of wool, meat, and milk. However, their symbolic and religious significance far surpasses their economic importance, permeating various aspects of biblical theology and worship.Old Testament Significance In the Old Testament, lambs are frequently associated with sacrifice and atonement. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is perhaps the most notable example. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. This act of obedience resulted in the Lord passing over their houses during the final plague in Egypt, sparing the firstborn of Israel. The Passover lamb thus became a symbol of deliverance and divine protection. The sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus also emphasizes the importance of lambs. In Leviticus 4:32, the sin offering could include a lamb, symbolizing the atonement for unintentional sins. The requirement for the lamb to be without blemish underscores the necessity of purity and perfection in offerings made to God. Prophetic Imagery The prophetic books of the Old Testament frequently employ the imagery of a lamb to convey messages of innocence, suffering, and redemption. Isaiah 53:7, a passage often referred to as the "Suffering Servant" prophecy, describes the servant as "a lamb led to the slaughter," highlighting themes of submission and sacrifice. This imagery foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the symbolism of the lamb reaches its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" identifies Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. This identification is central to Christian theology, as it connects the sacrificial system of the Old Testament with the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. The Book of Revelation further develops this imagery, portraying Jesus as the Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll and execute divine judgment (Revelation 5:6-14). The Lamb's victory over sin and death is celebrated in the heavenly realms, where He is worshiped by angels and the redeemed. Theological Implications The lamb as a symbol in the Bible encapsulates themes of sacrifice, purity, and redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision and the necessity of atonement for sin. The transition from the Old Testament sacrificial lambs to the New Testament Lamb of God underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Practical Applications For believers, the imagery of the lamb encourages a life of purity, humility, and sacrificial love. It calls Christians to remember the cost of their redemption and to live in a manner worthy of the Lamb who was slain. The lamb's symbolism also serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, offering comfort and strength in the face of trials and tribulations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 45:15 Library Who are Christ's Lambs. The Shepherd of Our Souls. At the Birth of the Son, There was a Great Shouting in Bethlehem The Gospel Feast The Lamb of God in Scripture The Great Shepherd Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac The Church Militant Learning the Church Triumphant's Song. Subject Index Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who ... 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) |
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