Topical Bible: Sheep: Shearing of

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The shearing of sheep is a significant agricultural and cultural practice in biblical times, often mentioned in the context of pastoral life and economic activity. In the Bible, sheep shearing is not only a practical necessity but also a time of celebration and social gathering.

Biblical References and Context

Sheep shearing is first mentioned in the context of Laban and Jacob's relationship. In Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father Laban's household gods while he is away shearing his sheep. This indicates that sheep shearing was a time-consuming task that could occupy the shepherd for an extended period, allowing for other activities to occur in his absence.

In 1 Samuel 25, the account of Nabal and Abigail provides further insight into the cultural significance of sheep shearing. Nabal, a wealthy man, is described as shearing his sheep in Carmel. This event is portrayed as a festive occasion, with a feast being prepared. David, who is in the wilderness, sends his men to greet Nabal during this time, expecting hospitality. Nabal's refusal to provide for David's men during the shearing festival leads to a confrontation, which is ultimately resolved by the wise intervention of Abigail, Nabal's wife.

The shearing of sheep is also mentioned in the account of Tamar and Amnon in 2 Samuel 13. Here, Absalom invites all the king's sons to a sheep-shearing event, which serves as a backdrop for the unfolding family drama. This again highlights the social aspect of sheep shearing, where it serves as an occasion for gathering and interaction.

Economic and Symbolic Importance

Sheep shearing was an essential economic activity in ancient Israel, as wool was a valuable commodity. The process of shearing involved removing the fleece from the sheep, which was then used for making garments and other textiles. The prosperity of a household could often be measured by the size of its flocks and the yield of wool produced during shearing.

Symbolically, sheep shearing can be seen as a time of renewal and provision. The removal of the fleece signifies a new beginning for the sheep, and the resulting wool provides for the needs of the community. This cyclical process reflects the broader themes of provision and stewardship found throughout Scripture.

Cultural Practices

The practice of sheep shearing in biblical times was likely similar to that in other ancient Near Eastern cultures. It required skill and care to ensure the sheep were not harmed and the wool was harvested efficiently. The timing of shearing was typically in the spring, aligning with the natural shedding of the sheep's winter coat.

Sheep shearing was often accompanied by feasting and celebration, as seen in the accounts of Nabal and Absalom. These gatherings provided opportunities for social interaction, the exchange of news, and the strengthening of community bonds.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The biblical narratives surrounding sheep shearing often carry moral and ethical lessons. In the account of Nabal, the expectation of generosity and hospitality during a time of abundance is emphasized. Nabal's failure to act charitably during the shearing festival contrasts with Abigail's wisdom and generosity, highlighting the virtues of kindness and foresight.

In summary, the shearing of sheep in the Bible is a multifaceted event, rich with economic, social, and spiritual significance. It serves as a backdrop for important biblical narratives and offers insights into the values and practices of ancient Israelite society.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 31:19
And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 38:12-17
And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

1044. Beth-eqed -- "house of binding," a place in Palestine
... From bayith and a derivative of aqad; house of (the) binding (for sheep-shearing);
Beth-Eked, a place in Palestine -- shearing house. see HEBREW bayith. ...
/hebrew/1044.htm - 6k

7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze
... keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship
with, herdman, keep (sheep)(-er), pastor, + shearing house, shepherd ...
/hebrew/7462.htm - 5k

1494. gazaz -- to shear
... cut off your hair (1), shaved (1), shear (3), shearers (3), shearing (2), sheepshearers ...
to destroy an enemy -- cut off (down), poll, shave, ((sheep-)) shear(-er ...
/hebrew/1494.htm - 6k

Library

Abigail's Sensible Advice
... Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand
goats, and he was shearing his sheep at Carmel. His name ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/abigails sensible advice.htm

A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace
... There shall be a sheep shearing, and you shall be drunken with wine, until your
souls becomes as stolid as a stone. And then you wonder that you have peace. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a blast of the trumpet.htm

Of a Modus, Custom, &C.
... A custom to pay 3d a head for sheep agisted between Candlemas and shearing day,
and a fleece of every hundred every month for all sheep brought into the parish ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/3 of a modus custom.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... Agistment tithes are payable for sheep depastured after shearing time, and sold
off or taken out of the parish, before the next shearing day, tho' the sheep so ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ...
... a half in their stead: but for the first-born of a man, five shekels: that they
should also have the first-fruits out of the shearing of the sheep; and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 what happened to.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... and hilarity. Since they are his own sheep that are to be sheared, he goes
to the scene of their shearing to Timnah. This cannot ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy. <. ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Psalm LXIX.
... And that which in Isaiah hath been prophesied, "like a sheep to be sacrificed He
was led, and like a lamb before one shearing Him, so He opened not His mouth." ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxix.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm