Topical Encyclopedia Sheep have been integral to human civilization and biblical history, serving as a symbol of wealth, sustenance, and spiritual metaphor. From the earliest chapters of the Bible, sheep are depicted as a vital part of agrarian life and religious practice.Early Biblical References The domestication of sheep is one of the earliest recorded in the Bible, with Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, being described as a "keeper of sheep" (Genesis 4:2). This early reference highlights the significance of sheep in the livelihood and worship practices of ancient peoples. Abel's offering of "the firstborn of his flock" (Genesis 4:4) underscores the value placed on sheep as a means of honoring God. Patriarchal Era Throughout the patriarchal narratives, sheep are frequently mentioned as a measure of wealth and prosperity. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the patriarchs of Israel, were all shepherds, and their wealth was often described in terms of their flocks. For instance, Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold" . The acquisition and management of sheep were central to their nomadic lifestyle and economic stability. Jacob's strategic breeding of sheep, as recorded in Genesis 30:32-43, demonstrates the importance of sheep in securing his prosperity and independence from Laban. This passage illustrates the intricate knowledge and care required in shepherding, as well as the divine blessing associated with it. Mosaic Law and Sacrificial System Under the Mosaic Law, sheep held a prominent role in the sacrificial system. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is one of the most significant uses of sheep in Israel's religious observance. Each household was instructed to select a "year-old male without blemish" (Exodus 12:5) to be sacrificed, symbolizing deliverance and divine protection. The Levitical laws further detail the use of sheep in various offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings (Leviticus 1-7). These regulations highlight the sheep's role in atonement and worship, emphasizing purity and dedication to God. Shepherd Imagery in Scripture The role of the shepherd is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing leadership, care, and guidance. King David, who began his life as a shepherd, is a quintessential example. His experience tending sheep is reflected in his leadership as king and his authorship of Psalm 23, where he famously declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel also use shepherd imagery to describe God's relationship with His people, portraying God as the ultimate shepherd who tends, protects, and seeks out His flock (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16). New Testament and Christ as the Good Shepherd In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), a title that encapsulates His mission of care, sacrifice, and redemption. Jesus' parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) further illustrates His commitment to seeking and saving the lost, emphasizing the value of each individual within the flock. The sacrificial imagery of sheep reaches its fulfillment in Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This designation connects the sacrificial system of the Old Testament with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, underscoring the continuity of sheep as a symbol of divine provision and salvation. Cultural and Economic Significance Beyond their religious symbolism, sheep were essential to the economy and daily life in biblical times. They provided wool for clothing, milk for sustenance, and meat for food. The care of sheep required diligence and skill, reflecting the shepherd's responsibility and the community's reliance on these animals for survival and prosperity. In summary, sheep under man's care from the earliest age are woven into the fabric of biblical history, serving as a testament to their enduring significance in both the physical and spiritual realms. 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 Library That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ... Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140 Acts XIV Continued. Loyal to the Core The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ... The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Chapter xx Entangled in the Land Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | 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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