Topical Encyclopedia Sheep hold a significant place in biblical history and theology, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings. From the earliest accounts in Scripture, sheep were integral to the sacrificial system established by God, symbolizing atonement, obedience, and worship.Early Sacrificial Practices The practice of offering sheep as sacrifices is rooted in the earliest biblical narratives. In Genesis 4:4, Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, is recorded as offering "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions" to the Lord. This act of sacrifice was pleasing to God, as it demonstrated Abel's faith and reverence. The offering of sheep, particularly the firstborn, set a precedent for the sacrificial system that would be further developed in the Mosaic Law. The Patriarchal Era Throughout the patriarchal period, sheep continued to be a primary offering to God. In Genesis 22, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is interrupted by God's provision of a ram caught in a thicket, which Abraham offers in place of his son. This substitutionary sacrifice prefigures the later sacrificial system and highlights the importance of sheep in worship and atonement. The Mosaic Law Under the Mosaic Law, sheep were central to the sacrificial system. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, required each household to select a lamb without blemish, symbolizing purity and innocence. This lamb was to be sacrificed, and its blood applied to the doorposts, signifying deliverance and protection from the plague of the firstborn. The Passover lamb became a perpetual ordinance for Israel, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. Leviticus outlines various offerings involving sheep, including the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:10), the peace offering (Leviticus 3:6-7), and the sin offering (Leviticus 4:32). Each of these offerings required a lamb or sheep without defect, underscoring the necessity of purity in approaching a holy God. Prophetic Significance The prophets also utilized the imagery of sheep in their messages. Isaiah 53:7 describes the Suffering Servant as "a lamb led to the slaughter," foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This prophetic imagery connects the sacrificial system of the Old Testament with the redemptive work of Christ, who is identified as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the sacrificial role of sheep finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb" who has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Book of Revelation frequently depicts Christ as the Lamb, emphasizing His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection (Revelation 5:6, 12). The offering of sheep in sacrifice, from the earliest age, serves as a profound symbol of faith, obedience, and the ultimate atonement provided through Jesus Christ. This sacrificial motif weaves through the entirety of Scripture, illustrating God's plan of redemption and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 4:4And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 8:20 Genesis 15:9,10 Library Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man. Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140 The Grave of John, and Another Grave Notes Scriptural Types. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Acts XIV Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
    |