Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "three-year-old" is often associated with specific offerings and events that hold significant theological and symbolic meaning. The age of three is mentioned in various passages, primarily in the Old Testament, where it is linked to sacrificial practices and covenantal themes.Sacrificial Offerings One of the most notable references to a three-year-old is found in the context of sacrificial offerings. In Genesis 15:9, God instructs Abram to bring specific animals as part of a covenantal ritual: "So the LORD said to him, 'Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.'" . The three-year-old animals in this passage are significant as they represent maturity and completeness, suitable for a covenant sacrifice. This event marks a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, symbolizing God's promises to Abram and his descendants. Symbolism and Maturity The age of three in biblical terms often symbolizes a stage of maturity and readiness. In the context of sacrificial animals, a three-year-old animal would have reached a level of physical maturity that made it an appropriate offering to God. This maturity is essential for the symbolism of the sacrifice, as it reflects the completeness and perfection required in offerings to the Lord. Covenantal Themes The use of three-year-old animals in sacrificial contexts also underscores the covenantal themes prevalent throughout the Bible. The sacrifices made by Abram in Genesis 15 are a foreshadowing of the ultimate covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The maturity and completeness of the three-year-old offerings point to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the age of three was often seen as a time when an animal reached its prime. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the three-year-old animals are chosen for their suitability in covenantal rituals. The selection of animals at this age underscores the importance of offering the best and most complete to God, a principle that resonates throughout the sacrificial laws given to Israel. Conclusion The mention of three-year-old animals in the Bible serves as a rich symbol of maturity, readiness, and covenantal promise. These references highlight the importance of offering the best to God and foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. Through these sacrificial practices, the Bible communicates profound theological truths about God's relationship with His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Strong's Hebrew 8027. shalash -- to do a third time, divide into three parts... divide into three parts (1), do it a third time (1), stayed for three days (1), third time (2), three (2), three days (1), three parts (1), three year old (3). ... /hebrew/8027.htm - 6k 7969. shalosh -- a three, triad Library Samuel the Boy Prophet Chapter xv My California Trip The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Immaculate Conception The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Thesaurus Three-year-old (1 Occurrence)Three-year-old. Three-year, Three-year-old. Thresh . Multi-Version Concordance Three-year-old (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ... /t/three-year-old.htm - 6k Three-year (1 Occurrence) Thresh (7 Occurrences) Skin (115 Occurrences) Resources What is a sabbatical year? | GotQuestions.orgHow old was Isaac when Abraham almost sacrificed him? | GotQuestions.org Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Three-year-old (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 1:24 Subtopics Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |
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