Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sheep were a vital component of the agrarian economy and held significant commercial value. The trade and commerce of sheep and their by-products are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in ancient Near Eastern society.Sheep as Livestock Sheep were among the earliest domesticated animals and were integral to the livelihood of many biblical figures. They were prized for their wool, meat, and milk, and were often used as sacrificial animals in religious ceremonies. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were shepherds, and their wealth was often measured by the size of their flocks. Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold," indicating the economic significance of sheep. Sheep in Trade The trade of sheep and their products was a common practice. Wool, in particular, was a valuable commodity. 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 passage highlights the role of sheep in international trade and diplomacy. Sheep Markets and Fairs Sheep markets and fairs were likely common in ancient Israel, serving as venues for the exchange of livestock and wool. While specific biblical references to sheep markets are sparse, the general practice of trade and barter in livestock is well-documented. Ezekiel 27:21 mentions Arabia and all the princes of Kedar as traders in lambs, rams, and goats, indicating a regional trade network. Sheep as Offerings Sheep were frequently used as offerings in the sacrificial system of Israel. The Law of Moses prescribed various offerings involving sheep, such as the burnt offering, peace offering, and sin offering (Leviticus 1-7). The demand for sacrificial animals would have contributed to the commercial trade of sheep, especially in proximity to the Temple in Jerusalem. Economic Symbolism Sheep also served as symbols of wealth and prosperity. In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), the shepherd's concern for a single lost sheep underscores the value placed on each animal. Similarly, Job's restoration is marked by the doubling of his sheep, among other livestock (Job 42:12), signifying a return to prosperity. Conclusion The commerce of sheep in biblical times was a multifaceted enterprise, encompassing trade, agriculture, and religious practices. Sheep were not only a source of economic wealth but also played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 18:13And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. Nave's Topical Index Library Sheep among Wolves Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight? His Unconscious Preparation for his Work The Destruction of Babylon. Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution The First Theban Empire Chaldaean Civilization The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Index i. Of Subjects Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War. Resources How is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |
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