Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of the "lamb" holds profound significance, symbolizing innocence, sacrifice, and redemption. The imagery of the lamb is deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, representing both the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The phrase "The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished" can be understood as a metaphorical expression that highlights the value and preciousness of the sacrificial lamb, which is central to the biblical narrative of salvation.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the lamb is primarily associated with the sacrificial system instituted by God for the atonement of sins. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is a key example. God commanded 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. Leviticus 4:32-35 further elaborates on the use of lambs in sin offerings, emphasizing the requirement for the lamb to be without defect, underscoring the importance of purity and perfection in sacrificial offerings. The lamb's innocence and purity made it a fitting substitute for the sinner, pointing to the need for a perfect sacrifice to atone for sin. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the sacrificial lamb motif 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 encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, whose death would atone for the sins of humanity once and for all. The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, stating, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed... but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Here, the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice is highlighted, emphasizing that it is more valuable than any material wealth. In the book of Revelation, the imagery of the lamb is further expanded. The Lamb is depicted as both a sacrificial victim and a triumphant conqueror. 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!" This duality of the Lamb as both slain and victorious underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work. Theological Implications The concept of "The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished" invites believers to reflect on the immense value and significance of Christ's sacrifice. Just as the lamb in the Old Testament was a cherished and valuable offering, so too is Christ's sacrifice the most precious gift given for the redemption of humanity. The imagery of the lamb calls Christians to appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of their salvation. Furthermore, the sacrificial lamb serves as a model for Christian living. Believers are called to emulate the humility, purity, and selflessness exemplified by Christ, the Lamb of God. Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." In summary, the lamb as a symbol of anything dear or cherished encapsulates the profound theological truths of sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. Through the lens of Scripture, the lamb represents the ultimate expression of God's grace and the call to live a life of sacrificial devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 12:3,9But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was to him as a daughter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Apostles Chosen Joy, a Duty The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel For the Candid and Thoughtful A Discourse One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method Covenant Duties. Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Practical Effects of Practical Truth 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) |