Topical Bible: The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In

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In biblical times, the lamb held significant importance as a symbol of innocence, sacrifice, and atonement. It was frequently used as a form of tribute and offering, both in religious and social contexts. The lamb's role as a tribute is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites, as well as in various cultural practices of the ancient Near East.

Sacrificial System and Offerings

The lamb was central to the sacrificial system outlined in the Mosaic Law. In the Book of Exodus, God commands the Israelites to observe the Passover by sacrificing a lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:5). This lamb was to be a year-old male, symbolizing purity and perfection, and its blood was to be applied to the doorposts as a sign of protection from the plague of the firstborn.

In Leviticus, the lamb is frequently mentioned as an acceptable offering for various sacrifices, including the burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering. Leviticus 1:10 states, "If, however, his offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from the sheep or goats, he is to present an unblemished male." The requirement for the lamb to be without blemish underscores its role as a pure and worthy tribute to God.

Tribute in Social and Political Contexts

Beyond religious sacrifices, lambs were also used as a form of tribute in social and political contexts. In 2 Kings 3:4 , we read about Mesha, the king of Moab, who was a sheep breeder and paid tribute to the king of Israel with "a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams." This illustrates the economic value of lambs and their use as a currency or tribute in diplomatic relations.

Symbolism and Prophetic Significance

The lamb's significance extends beyond its immediate use as a tribute or offering. It is a profound symbol of innocence and sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God." In the New Testament, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This identification highlights the fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Christ's atoning death.

The prophetic imagery of the lamb is further emphasized in the Book of Revelation, where the Lamb is depicted as worthy to open the scroll and execute God's judgment (Revelation 5:6-9). The Lamb's role in eschatological events underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of divine justice and redemption.

Conclusion

The lamb, as a tribute, offering, and symbol, occupies a central place in biblical theology and narrative. Its use in sacrifices and as a form of tribute reflects its value and significance in ancient Israelite society and religious practice. The prophetic and Christological associations of the lamb further enrich its meaning, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope of redemption for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 3:4
And Mesha king of Moab was a sheep master, and rendered to the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 16:1
Send you the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, to the mount of the daughter of Zion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Husband and Wife are Mutually Bound to the Payment of the ...
... cannot partake of the flesh of the Lamb according to ... husband; and besides this disease
is often transmitted to ... to all men their dues, tribute to whom tribute ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether husband and wife are.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... The Roman governor had often heard of Jesus, although he had ... and he alone, was the
true Paschal Lamb, of which ... that he forbad the people to pay tribute to the ...
/.../chapter xvii jesus before pilate.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... Lest He should give offense by withholding the tribute, He did ... repenting sinner fix
his eyes upon "the Lamb of God ... Often the truth must be plainly spoken to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

The Mystery
... with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Lamb. ... dreams which the Arabian I have
so often quoted, Apomasar ... For it is well known, that tribute is the symbol ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... Great criminals are often blind to their own interests: their ... our own benefit, under
deduction of a tribute to the ... to see the wrath of the Lamb gathering on ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

The Singer of Pietism
... of the original writer, his translations are often greatly superior ... can be more reverent
than this beautiful tribute to the ... is also his hymn to the Lamb of God ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter nine the singer of.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... question whether this psalm is more a tribute of homage ... they are often judged with
harshness; or they are judged ... to temper the wind to the shorn lamb, so will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the poor mans friend.htm

Scriptural Types.
... 10:1, and the same symbol of anointing often elsewhere; 1 ... them white in the blood
of the Lamb" (Rev.7 ... in which the offerer rendered to God the tribute of praise ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... It can never be too often perused by kings and ... that God would provide peace by that
"Lamb of God ... posterity of Esau, and by the consequent tribute paid by that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... in Susa, and that their revolts must often have jeopardised ... his crown on condition
of his paying a regular tribute. ... to have called into being a lamb with eight ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm