Topical Encyclopedia Overview: Sheep hold significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible, serving as a representation of God's people, a metaphor for innocence and sacrifice, and a staple of ancient agrarian life. They are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating various spiritual truths and societal norms. Biblical Symbolism: Sheep are often used to symbolize the people of God, highlighting their need for guidance and protection. In Psalm 23:1, David famously declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," illustrating the relationship between God and His followers. This imagery is further reinforced in Isaiah 53:6, which states, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Here, sheep represent humanity's tendency to wander from God's path, necessitating divine intervention. Sacrificial Role: In the Old Testament, sheep were central to the sacrificial system established by God. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12:3-13, is a prime example, where a lamb without blemish was sacrificed, and its blood used as a sign for the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Jesus as the Good Shepherd: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His care and sacrifice for His flock. In John 10:11, Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This passage underscores His protective and sacrificial role, contrasting with hired hands who abandon the sheep in times of danger. Parables and Teachings: Sheep are also featured in several of Jesus' parables, illustrating spiritual truths. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) highlights God's relentless pursuit of the lost, demonstrating His love and mercy. Similarly, the separation of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 serves as a metaphor for the final judgment, where the righteous (sheep) are distinguished from the unrighteous (goats). Practical Aspects: In biblical times, sheep were a vital part of the economy and daily life. They provided wool, milk, and meat, and their care required constant attention and skill. Shepherds, often seen as humble and lowly, played a crucial role in society, a fact that is reflected in the biblical narrative of David, who was a shepherd before becoming king (1 Samuel 16:11). Moral and Ethical Lessons: The imagery of sheep and shepherds conveys moral and ethical lessons about leadership, responsibility, and community. Leaders are called to emulate the Good Shepherd, caring for and guiding their people with integrity and compassion. Believers are reminded of their dependence on God and the importance of staying within His fold. Conclusion: The biblical portrayal of sheep encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings, from the practical aspects of ancient life to profound spiritual truths. Through the lens of sheep and shepherds, the Bible communicates themes of guidance, sacrifice, and redemption, central to the Christian faith. Greek 3374. melote -- a sheepskin ... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: melote Phonetic Spelling: (may-lo-tay') Short Definition: a sheepskin Definition: a sheep's (sometimes pig's ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3374.htm - 6k 5578. pseudoprophetes -- a false prophet 4263b. probaton -- small animals in a herd, esp. sheep Library Chapter xxiv. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Blind Force or Intelligence, Which? Heretics Appeal to Scripture that they May More Easily Succeed in ... False Prophets Warnings against Heresy Given us in the New Testament Sundry ... Chapter xii. Heretics Confirm the Catholics in the Faith. The Sermon on the Mount. Petilianus Said: "But These Things do not Alarm us Christians... Thesaurus Sheep's (3 Occurrences)...Sheep's (3 Occurrences). Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. ... /s/sheep's.htm - 7k Within (400 Occurrences) Warmed (6 Occurrences) Watch (203 Occurrences) Wolves (10 Occurrences) Inside (185 Occurrences) Inwardly (12 Occurrences) Fleeces (1 Occurrence) Fleece (6 Occurrences) Ferocious (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tammuz? | GotQuestions.org How can I, a Muslim, become assured of paradise? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheep's (3 Occurrences)Matthew 7:15 John 10:7 Job 31:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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