A yearling-lamb, often referred to in biblical texts, holds significant symbolic and ritualistic importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition. The term "yearling" denotes a lamb that is one year old, a stage in its life when it is considered mature yet still tender and pure. This age is particularly significant in the context of sacrificial offerings and religious observances.

Biblical Significance

In the Old Testament, the yearling-lamb is frequently mentioned as a requisite for various sacrifices and offerings. The Book of Exodus provides one of the most notable references to a yearling-lamb in the context of the Passover. In Exodus 12:5 , the instructions for the Passover lamb are given: "Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats." This directive underscores the importance of the lamb's age and condition, emphasizing purity and perfection as essential qualities for a sacrifice acceptable to God.

The yearling-lamb is also integral to the daily offerings described in the Mosaic Law. In Numbers 28:3-4 , the Israelites are commanded: "And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD: two unblemished year-old male lambs each day as a regular burnt offering. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.’" These daily sacrifices symbolize continual devotion and atonement, with the yearling-lamb serving as a constant reminder of the covenant between God and His people.

Symbolism and Typology

The yearling-lamb is rich in symbolism, often representing innocence, purity, and obedience. Its use in sacrificial rites prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lamb of God" in the New Testament. In John 1:29 , John the Baptist declares, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This typology draws a direct line from the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament to the redemptive work of Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system.

The prophetic imagery of the yearling-lamb is further explored in the Book of Isaiah, where the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the sacrificial death of Jesus, who, like a yearling-lamb, was without blemish and willingly submitted to God's will.

Cultural and Religious Context

In ancient Israelite culture, the yearling-lamb was not only a religious symbol but also a valuable asset. Its selection for sacrifice represented a significant offering, as it was a prime specimen of the flock. The act of sacrificing a yearling-lamb was a demonstration of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision.

The meticulous care in selecting a yearling-lamb for sacrifice reflects the broader biblical theme of offering one's best to God. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where the quality of the offering is seen as a reflection of the heart and devotion of the worshiper.

In summary, the yearling-lamb occupies a central role in biblical theology, serving as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, purity, and redemption. Its presence in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and its typological connection to Christ in the New Testament highlight its enduring significance in the narrative of salvation history.

Prophet of the Lord, Beside Us,
... Very God His wondrous claim,. And Perfection is His name. As a yearling lamb He
suffered,. He, our Blessed, saving Crown; That He might from vileness cleanse us ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/prophet of the lord beside.htm

Ode iv.
... Our very GOD, Whose name is all complete. This yearling Lamb, our Sacrifice
most blest,. Our glorious Crown, for all men freely dies: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/ode iv.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... two young pigeons. [The required offering was a yearling lamb for a burnt
offering and a young pigeon for a sin-offering. But the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Yearling-lamb (1 Occurrence)
Yearling-lamb. Yearling, Yearling-lamb. Yearlings . Multi-Version
Concordance Yearling-lamb (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
/y/yearling-lamb.htm - 6k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:6 And when the days of her cleansing are fulfilled, for a son or for
a daughter, she shall bring a yearlinglamb for a burnt-offering, and a young ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Yearlings (2 Occurrences)

/y/yearlings.htm - 7k

Forfeited (6 Occurrences)
... (WEY YLT). Numbers 6:12 And he shall again consecrate to Jehovah the days of his
separation, and shall bring a yearlinglamb for a trespass-offering. ...
/f/forfeited.htm - 8k

Cleansing (37 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:6 And when the days of her cleansing are fulfilled, for a son or for
a daughter, she shall bring a yearlinglamb for a burnt-offering, and a young ...
/c/cleansing.htm - 18k

Consecration (22 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Numbers 6:12 And he shall again consecrate to Jehovah the days of
his separation, and shall bring a yearlinglamb for a trespass-offering. ...
/c/consecration.htm - 18k

Entrance (190 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 12:6 And when the days of her cleansing are fulfilled, for a son or for
a daughter, she shall bring a yearlinglamb for a burnt-offering, and a young ...
/e/entrance.htm - 37k

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