Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sheep hold significant importance, particularly in the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law. The offering of sheep as sacrifices is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and worship.Sacrificial System and Requirements The sacrificial system was central to the religious life of Israel, as outlined in the Pentateuch. Sheep, specifically lambs, were among the primary animals designated for sacrifice. The Law required that these animals be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection, which was necessary for an acceptable offering to God. Leviticus 1:10 states, "If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or the goats, he is to present a male without blemish." Types of Sacrifices Involving Sheep 1. Burnt Offerings: Sheep were commonly used in burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, signifying complete surrender to God. This is seen in the daily offerings commanded in Exodus 29:38-39: "This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs a year old, day by day continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." 2. Peace Offerings: These offerings, which could include sheep, were expressions of thanksgiving and fellowship with God. Leviticus 3:6-7 describes the peace offering: "If, however, one’s offering is a peace offering from the flock, he is to present a male or female without blemish." 3. Sin Offerings: Sheep were also used in sin offerings, which were intended to atone for unintentional sins and cleanse the offerer from impurity. Leviticus 4:32 states, "If, however, he brings a lamb as a sin offering, he is to bring an unblemished female." 4. Passover Lamb: Perhaps the most significant sacrificial use of sheep was during the Passover. Each household was to select a lamb without blemish, as described in Exodus 12:5-6: "Your lamb must be an unblemished male, a year old. You may take it from the sheep or the goats. You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight." Symbolism and Foreshadowing The sacrificial use of sheep in the Old Testament is rich with symbolism and foreshadowing. The requirement for a lamb without blemish prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Lamb of God" in the New Testament. John 1:29 records John the Baptist's declaration: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The sacrificial system, with its emphasis on the shedding of blood for the remission of sins, points to the necessity of a perfect and final sacrifice. Hebrews 9:22 underscores this principle: "According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Conclusion The offering of sheep in sacrifice under the Law was a vital aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It served as a means of atonement, worship, and communion, while also pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, fulfilling the Law and providing eternal redemption for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:24An altar of earth you shall make to me, and shall sacrifice thereon your burnt offerings, and your peace offerings, your sheep, and your oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come to you, and I will bless you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 1:10 1 Kings 8:5,63 Library Atonement. Entire Sanctification Obtainable. Spiritual Meaning of the Passover. Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... None but Jesus --Second Part Miscellaneous Subjects. Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ... Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ... Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man. Resources What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org What is sheep stealing? | 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 |
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