Sheep-cotes, also known as sheepfolds or sheep pens, are enclosures used for the protection and management of sheep. These structures are mentioned several times in the Bible, reflecting their importance in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Sheep-cotes provided a safe place for sheep, protecting them from predators and harsh weather, and were essential for the livelihood of shepherds and their families.

Biblical References

One of the earliest mentions of sheep-cotes is found in the account of David. In 1 Samuel 24:3, David is described as hiding in the "sheepfolds" when Saul entered to relieve himself: "So he came to the sheepfolds along the way, and there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the recesses of the cave" . This passage highlights the use of sheep-cotes as natural or man-made enclosures that could also serve as temporary shelters for people.

In 2 Samuel 7:8, God speaks to David through the prophet Nathan, reminding him of his humble beginnings as a shepherd: "Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be ruler over My people Israel’" . This reference underscores the significance of sheep-cotes in the life of David, who was called from tending sheep to lead the nation of Israel.

Sheep-cotes are also mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. In Genesis 49:14, Jacob blesses his son Issachar, comparing him to a strong donkey lying down between the sheepfolds: "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds" . This imagery suggests a place of rest and security, emphasizing the protective function of sheep-cotes.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, sheep-cotes were typically simple structures made of stones or wood, often located near pastures or water sources. They could be open-air enclosures or partially covered to provide shade and shelter. The design of sheep-cotes varied depending on the terrain and available materials, but their primary purpose was to keep the flock safe and contained.

Shepherds played a crucial role in the economy and society of biblical times, and sheep-cotes were integral to their work. The shepherd's responsibility was to lead the sheep to pasture, ensure their safety, and bring them back to the sheepfold at night. This imagery is frequently used in the Bible to describe God's care for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" .

Theological Significance

Sheep-cotes carry rich theological symbolism in the Bible. They represent God's protection and provision for His people, as well as the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing on this imagery to convey His role as the protector and guide of His followers. In John 10:14-15, Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep" .

The concept of sheep-cotes also illustrates the idea of community and belonging. Believers are often likened to sheep within God's fold, emphasizing the unity and care found within the body of Christ. This imagery encourages Christians to trust in God's guidance and to remain within the safety of His provision, much like sheep within a sheepfold.

On the Downs
... Now upon the sunny hill-top. We can rest at will. Far below the quiet valleys. Farms
and sheep-cotes lie,. All above us deep and cloudless. Glows the summer sky ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/on the downs.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... The king who had been the shepherd-boy, and had been taken from the quiet
sheep-cotes to rule over Israel, sings this little psalm of Him who is the true ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... Long before the shepherd king, who had been taken from the sheepcotes to rule over
Israel, sang his immortal psalm, the same occupation had suggested the same ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

The Shepherd-King
... and thereby magnifies both the sovereign freedom of His choice and the power of
His Spirit, which takes the stripling from the sheepcotes and qualifies him to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sheepcotes (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 24:3 And he
came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and ...
/s/sheepcotes.htm - 6k

Sheep-cotes (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-cotes. Sheepcotes, Sheep-cotes. Sheep-farmer . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Sheepcotes, Sheep-cotes. Sheep-farmer . Reference Bible.
/s/sheep-cotes.htm - 6k

Sheep-cote (2 Occurrences)
Sheep-cote. Sheepcote, Sheep-cote. Sheepcotes . Multi-Version Concordance
Sheep-cote (2 Occurrences). ... Sheepcote, Sheep-cote. Sheepcotes . Reference Bible
/s/sheep-cote.htm - 7k

Sheep-farmer (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-farmer. Sheep-cotes, Sheep-farmer. Sheepfold . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Sheep-cotes, Sheep-farmer. Sheepfold . Reference Bible.
/s/sheep-farmer.htm - 6k

Sides (170 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul
went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of ...
/s/sides.htm - 38k

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