Topical Bible: Sheep: Milk of, Used As Food

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In biblical times, sheep were integral to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and surrounding cultures. Among the various products derived from sheep, milk was a significant source of nourishment and sustenance. The milk of sheep, along with that of goats, was commonly consumed and used in various forms, including as a beverage, in cooking, and for making cheese and other dairy products.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible provides several references to the use of milk, including that from sheep, as a staple in the diet of the people. In Genesis 18:8, we see Abraham offering curds and milk to the three visitors who came to him by the oaks of Mamre: "Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set them before the men. He served them while they ate under the tree." This passage illustrates the hospitality and the importance of dairy products in the diet of the patriarchs.

In Deuteronomy 32:14, the abundance and richness of the Promised Land are described, highlighting the provision of dairy products: "with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats, with the finest kernels of wheat, and the blood of grapes you drank as wine." This verse underscores the significance of milk from the flock, which would include sheep, as part of the blessings bestowed upon the Israelites.

Cultural and Nutritional Significance

Sheep's milk was valued not only for its nutritional content but also for its versatility. It is richer in fat and protein compared to cow's milk, making it an excellent base for cheese and other dairy products. The consumption of sheep's milk and its derivatives provided essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which were crucial for the health and well-being of the people.

The process of turning milk into curds and cheese was a practical way to preserve it, especially in the warm climate of the Near East. This practice allowed for the storage and consumption of dairy products over extended periods, ensuring a steady food supply even when fresh milk was not available.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

In addition to its practical uses, milk held symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It was often associated with abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. The frequent biblical imagery of a "land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8) evokes a vision of a fertile and prosperous land, where the needs of the people are abundantly met.

The use of sheep's milk as food also reflects the pastoral lifestyle of many biblical figures, including the patriarchs and King David, who were shepherds. This connection to shepherding and pastoral life is deeply embedded in the spiritual heritage of Israel, symbolizing care, provision, and the nurturing nature of God as the Good Shepherd.

In summary, the milk of sheep, as referenced in the Bible, was a vital component of the diet and culture of ancient Israel. It served not only as a practical source of nutrition but also as a symbol of God's provision and blessing to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:14
Butter of cows, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and you did drink the pure blood of the grape.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:21,22
And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:7
Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... cares for his flock, and as they used to guide ... Whoever eats of the milk, let his
heart be upon ... like hirelings; because the hireling cares not for the sheep. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... will in canals and pipes, he makes it turn the wheels of water-mills, it is used
for drinking ... The cow gives her milk and her meat, and the sheep both wool ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

Preface --The Author's Object --The Utility of Written ...
... "For neither at any time used we flattering ... of learning are like a relish mixed with
the food of an ... Let a man milk the sheep's milk if he need sustenance: let ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter i prefacethe authors objectthe utility.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... by comparison, kids, but those on the right hand sheep. ... of their natural wool, their
progeny, and their milk. ... and decaying with such putrefaction, used to make ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Force an Egyptian to drink sheep's milk: drive, if you ... warmth might diminish the
weight of the heavier food. They used no oil except with vegetables, and then ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... The promises are the milk of faith; faith sucks nourishment ... That I who followed the
sheep, should go in and ... Israel, who at their peace offerings used to take a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... is useful in five ways: it may be used for sacrifice, for ploughing, for food, for
milk, and its ... But the sheep was useful in four ways: "for sacrifice ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

Psalm VIII.
... praising Him, of whom the Lord Himself used this testimony ... babes in Christ, I have
given you milk to drink ... last time of judgment, contain not only sheep and oxen ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm viii.htm

Gentiles Seeking Christ.
... Milk drawn from a cow by heathen hands could not be used. ... told his disciples when
they were sent forth to preach, to go only to the lost sheep of the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/gentiles seeking christ.htm

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
... of recently converted tribes should, as infancy with milk, be nourished ... and the
sacrament of baptism be used in the ... and desired him to feed the sheep which He ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/alcuin on true missionary labours.htm