Topical Encyclopedia The Sheep Market, also referred to as the Sheep Gate, holds significant historical and theological importance in the context of Jerusalem, particularly during the Second Temple period. This location is mentioned in the Gospel of John, which provides insight into its role and significance during biblical times.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to the Sheep Market is found in the Gospel of John. John 5:2 states, "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades." This passage highlights the proximity of the Sheep Market to the Pool of Bethesda, a site known for its healing waters and the miraculous healing performed by Jesus. Historical Context: The Sheep Market was situated near the northeastern section of Jerusalem's walls, close to the Temple Mount. It was named for its function as a place where sheep were brought into the city, particularly for sacrificial purposes in the Temple. The Sheep Gate, through which the sheep entered, was an essential part of the city's infrastructure, facilitating the flow of sacrificial animals necessary for the numerous offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Theological Significance: The Sheep Market's proximity to the Temple underscores its importance in the religious life of ancient Israel. Sacrifices were central to the worship practices outlined in the Old Testament, serving as a means for atonement and communion with God. The Sheep Market thus played a crucial role in maintaining the sacrificial system that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The mention of the Sheep Gate in Nehemiah 3:1 also highlights its significance in the post-exilic period: "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors." This passage indicates the Sheep Gate's importance in the restoration efforts of Jerusalem, symbolizing the renewal of worship and the reestablishment of the community's covenant relationship with God. Cultural and Religious Practices: The Sheep Market was not only a place of commerce but also a site of religious preparation. The selection and inspection of sheep for sacrifice were conducted with great care, ensuring that the animals met the stringent requirements of being without blemish, as prescribed in Leviticus 22:21 : "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it." Archaeological Insights: While direct archaeological evidence of the Sheep Market itself is limited, excavations in the area surrounding the Temple Mount and the Pool of Bethesda have provided valuable insights into the infrastructure and daily life of ancient Jerusalem. These findings help to contextualize the biblical narrative and enhance our understanding of the city's layout and the role of the Sheep Market within it. In summary, the Sheep Market of Jerusalem was a vital component of the city's religious and economic life, serving as a conduit for the sacrificial system that was central to Jewish worship. Its mention in the Gospel of John and the Book of Nehemiah underscores its enduring significance in the biblical narrative and its symbolic connection to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 5:2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. Nave's Topical Index Greek 4262. probatikos -- of sheep ... sheep market. From probaton; relating to sheep, ie (a gate) through which they were led into Jerusalem -- sheep (market). see GREEK probaton. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4262.htm - 6k Library At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda. The Third Miracle in John's Gospel In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Sabbath Cure at Bethesda. Bethesda and the Sanhedrin Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 Jesus Begins his Work The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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