Topical Bible: Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers

◄ Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, sheep were a central part of agrarian life and held significant symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. They were valued for their wool, milk, and meat, and were often used in sacrificial offerings. The behavior of sheep, particularly their tendency to flee from strangers, is noted in the Bible and serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

Sheep are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing God's people. The relationship between sheep and their shepherd is a recurring theme, illustrating the care, guidance, and protection provided by God or Christ, the Good Shepherd. This imagery is vividly portrayed in passages such as Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd who leads, restores, and comforts His flock.

Fleeing from Strangers

The instinct of sheep to flee from strangers is highlighted in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. In John 10:5 , Jesus describes the behavior of sheep in relation to their shepherd: "But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice." This passage underscores the intimate relationship between the sheep and their shepherd, emphasizing the trust and familiarity that exists between them.

The sheep's flight from strangers serves as a metaphor for the discernment and spiritual awareness expected of believers. Just as sheep instinctively avoid unfamiliar voices, Christians are called to discern and reject teachings and influences that are contrary to the truth of the Gospel. This discernment is rooted in a deep, personal relationship with Christ, the true Shepherd, whose voice they recognize and follow.

Spiritual Implications

The imagery of sheep fleeing from strangers carries profound spiritual implications. It highlights the importance of knowing and recognizing the voice of Christ amidst the myriad of voices in the world. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and obedience to His commands, enabling them to discern His voice and follow His guidance.

Furthermore, this metaphor serves as a warning against false teachers and deceptive doctrines. In Matthew 7:15 , Jesus cautions, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The ability to distinguish the true Shepherd from impostors is crucial for maintaining the integrity of one's faith and spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of sheep fleeing from strangers is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and discernment. It calls believers to deepen their relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to remain steadfast in their commitment to His truth. Through this relationship, they find safety, guidance, and the assurance of being known and loved by their Shepherd.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:5
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... and where is mercy fled, that God should execute twice the ... but certain it is, that
the sheep know Christ's ... seen sometimes in the country two flocks together on ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... his way and took all his substance, and flocks, and all ... time was Laban gone to shear
his sheep, and Rachel ... the third day after, that Jacob was fled and gone ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... The years fled, the good old Abraham died, and Isaac succeeded him to the ... by dangerous
men or animals, the owners of the flocks built the fold or sheep-cote ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... and a great deal of [other] prey, and camels, and great cattle, and flocks of sheep. ...
when Zimri saw that the city had none to defend it, he fled into the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Chapter xxxi
... But Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the ... So he and all that were
his fled. ... Since Laban was at some distance from Jacob, flocks (Genesis 30:36 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... Ascalon fled as a frightened animal flees, silently and under cover. ... There were no
sheep or cattle ... Vespasian had passed that way and required the flocks of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... Methinks, after many lambs from the flocks of men had ... sword of the Spirit, until
the enemy fled, and angels ... word is false""I give unto my sheep eternal life ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... and Scriptural way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the ... of the English
Church, during the revolution, had fled from their flocks; and those who ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh ... The king, Maniya, fled;
Ukki was taken by ... their gods, their families, their flocks, and household ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... beside her, trembled, were scared, and fled." He seized ... namely, the ass, ox, goat,
and sheep; the horse ... Graico-Roman Proteus, who pastures the flocks of the sea ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm