Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSheep hold a significant place in biblical literature, symbolizing purity, innocence, and the people of God. As a clean animal, sheep were permissible for consumption and sacrifice under Mosaic Law. Their presence in Scripture is both literal and metaphorical, often representing the faithful and obedient followers of God. Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Clean Animal for Sacrifice and Consumption: Sheep are classified as clean animals in the Levitical law, suitable for both dietary consumption and sacrificial offerings. Leviticus 11:1-3 states, "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Say to the Israelites, "Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud."'" Sheep, meeting these criteria, were central to various sacrificial rites, including the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:3-5). 2. Symbol of Innocence and Purity: Sheep are often used to symbolize innocence and purity. In Isaiah 53:7 , the suffering servant is likened to a lamb: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). 3. Representation of God's People: Throughout Scripture, sheep are emblematic of God's people. Psalm 100:3 declares, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." This metaphor underscores the relationship between God and His followers, highlighting His role as the Good Shepherd who cares for and guides His flock. 4. The Good Shepherd: Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11 : "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This passage emphasizes the protective and sacrificial nature of Christ's love for His followers, contrasting with the hireling who abandons the sheep in times of danger. 5. Parables and Teachings: Sheep are frequently used in Jesus' parables to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), Jesus illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Similarly, in Matthew 25:31-46, the separation of the sheep from the goats serves as a metaphor for the final judgment, distinguishing the righteous from the unrighteous. 6. Pastoral Imagery: The pastoral imagery of sheep and shepherds is prevalent throughout the Bible, reflecting the agrarian context of ancient Israel. Psalm 23 is a quintessential example, portraying the Lord as a shepherd who provides, guides, and protects: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Conclusion Sheep, as clean animals, are deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. They serve as powerful symbols of purity, sacrifice, and the intimate relationship between God and His people. Through the imagery of sheep and shepherds, Scripture communicates profound truths about divine care, guidance, and redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 7:13And he will love you, and bless you, and multiply you: he will also bless the fruit of your womb, and the fruit of your land, your corn, and your wine, and your oil, the increase of your cows, and the flocks of your sheep, in the land which he swore to your fathers to give you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 14:4 Library Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation. The Clean and the Unclean Psalm VIII. The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Lamentation of all ... What Lasts, and what Passes Away. What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ... Acts X Sanctification Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over. The Work Awaiting the Worker Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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