The term "grizzled" appears in the context of the Bible to describe a particular coloration or appearance, often associated with animals. In the Berean Standard Bible, the word is used to convey a mixed or mottled color, typically involving gray or white hairs interspersed with darker colors. This term is primarily found in the Old Testament, where it is used to describe livestock, which held significant economic and symbolic importance in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 31:10-12 : In the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban, Jacob describes a dream in which he sees the male goats mating with the flock, and they are "streaked, speckled, and spotted." The term "grizzled" is often associated with this description, as it conveys the idea of a mixed or variegated appearance. This passage highlights God's provision and blessing upon Jacob, as the grizzled and speckled livestock became a sign of God's favor and the fulfillment of His promise to prosper Jacob.

2. Zechariah 6:3 : In the vision of the four chariots, the third chariot is described as having "white horses," and the fourth chariot as having "dappled horses—all of them powerful." The term "dappled" is akin to "grizzled," suggesting a mixed coloration. This vision is part of a series of prophetic revelations given to Zechariah, symbolizing God's sovereign control over the nations and His ultimate plan for judgment and redemption.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the use of "grizzled" to describe animals often carries deeper theological implications. The appearance of grizzled livestock in Jacob's account is not merely a matter of genetics or chance but is portrayed as a direct result of divine intervention. This serves to underscore the theme of God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises despite human manipulation or deceit.

Moreover, the vision in Zechariah, with its grizzled horses, is part of a broader apocalyptic imagery that conveys God's power and the unfolding of His divine plan. The mixed colors of the horses can symbolize the complexity and multifaceted nature of God's dealings with humanity, encompassing both judgment and mercy.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity. The description of animals as grizzled, streaked, or speckled would have been significant to the original audience, as it related to breeding practices and the economic implications of owning such animals. The grizzled appearance could indicate a unique or valuable trait, setting these animals apart from the more common solid-colored livestock.

The use of specific animal colors in prophetic visions, such as those in Zechariah, would have resonated with the Israelites, who were familiar with the symbolism of colors and animals in their cultural and religious context. These visions would have served as powerful reminders of God's active presence and His ultimate authority over creation.

In summary, the term "grizzled" in the Bible is more than a mere descriptor of appearance; it is imbued with theological and cultural significance, reflecting God's providence, the fulfillment of His promises, and His sovereign rule over the affairs of the world.Party-coloured, as goats (Genesis 31:10, 12), horses (Zechariah 6:3, 6). (a.) Gray; grayish; sprinkled or mixed with gray; of a mixed white and black.GRISLED; GRIZZLED

griz'-'-ld.

See COLORS.

Argument. --That God Also Appeared to Jacob as an Angel; Namely ...
... eyes, said He, and see, the he-goats and the rams leaping upon the sheep, and the
she-goats are black and white, and many-coloured, and grizzled, and speckled ...
/.../chapter xix argument that god also.htm

Chapter thirteen
... The keen look on his grizzled face flashed out with a stern but thoroughly Christian
anticipation of great achievements in the world of newspaper life, as it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirteen.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... marked and exceedingly expressive; his nose was fine, so was his forehead, and his
eyes sparkled like diamonds beneath a pair of bushy brows slightly grizzled. ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Useful Phrases
... grim swiftness. grinding despotism. grinning ghosts. griping fascination. grizzled
warrior. gross exaggeration. grotesque perversion. groundless fear. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... Philadelphus turned toward the old servant plunged in the exhausted sleep of weary
age. "Thou grizzled nightmare!" he exclaimed vindictively. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

Grizzled (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GRISLED; GRIZZLED. griz'-'-ld. See COLORS.
Multi-Version Concordance Grizzled (4 Occurrences). ...
/g/grizzled.htm - 8k

Goats (134 Occurrences)
... during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the
male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. ...
/g/goats.htm - 37k

Rams (81 Occurrences)
... cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the
rams which leaped upon the cattle were ring-streaked, speckled, and grizzled...
/r/rams.htm - 33k

Ringstreaked (5 Occurrences)
... flock conceive, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the
he-goats which leaped upon the flock were ringstreaked, speckled, and grizzled...
/r/ringstreaked.htm - 8k

Ring-streaked (5 Occurrences)
... cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the
rams which leaped upon the cattle were ring-streaked, speckled, and grizzled...
/r/ring-streaked.htm - 8k

Mottled (2 Occurrences)
... during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the
male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. ...
/m/mottled.htm - 7k

Mating (4 Occurrences)
... during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the
male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. ...
/m/mating.htm - 7k

Striped (6 Occurrences)
... the flock conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold,
the he-goats which leaped upon the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled...
/s/striped.htm - 8k

Speckled (9 Occurrences)
... during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the
male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. ...
/s/speckled.htm - 10k

Streaked (6 Occurrences)
... during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the
male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. ...
/s/streaked.htm - 8k

Grizzled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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