Definition and Etymology:
The term "Zemer" is a Hebrew word that appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The word is often translated as "mountain sheep" or "wild sheep," though its exact identification is subject to scholarly debate. The Hebrew root of "Zemer" is associated with the idea of singing or making music, but in this context, it refers to an animal.

Biblical References:
Zemer is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy as part of the list of clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat. In Deuteronomy 14:5, the Berean Standard Bible states: "the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep." Here, "mountain sheep" is understood to be the translation of "Zemer."

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, dietary laws were a significant aspect of religious and cultural identity. The Israelites were given specific instructions on what animals were considered clean and unclean, as outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. The inclusion of the Zemer among clean animals highlights its acceptability for consumption under Mosaic Law.

The identification of the Zemer has been a topic of discussion among biblical scholars and zoologists. Some suggest it may refer to a type of wild sheep or goat native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East. Others propose it could be a specific species known to the Israelites but not easily identifiable today.

Theological Significance:
The mention of the Zemer in the dietary laws underscores the broader theological theme of holiness and separation that is prevalent throughout the Old Testament. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God's commandments and their distinctiveness as His chosen people. The clean and unclean distinctions served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
While the Zemer itself does not carry significant symbolic weight in biblical literature, its inclusion in the list of clean animals can be seen as part of the larger biblical narrative that emphasizes purity, obedience, and the sanctity of life. The dietary laws, including the permission to eat animals like the Zemer, were part of the divine instructions that set Israel apart from surrounding nations.

Modern Relevance:
For contemporary readers, the mention of the Zemer and other clean animals in the Bible can serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the call to live a life that is set apart for His purposes. While the specific dietary laws are not binding on Christians today, as explained in the New Testament (see Acts 10:9-16), the principles of holiness and dedication to God remain central to Christian faith and practice.2169. zemer -- perhaps a mountain sheep or goat
... 2168, 2169. zemer. 2170 . perhaps a mountain sheep or goat. Transliteration:
zemer Phonetic Spelling: (zeh'-mer) Short Definition: sheep. ... zemer. 2170 . ...
/hebrew/2169.htm - 6kZemer (1 Occurrence)
...Zemer (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:8 The people of Zidon and Arvad were your boatmen;
the wise men of Zemer were in you; they were guiding your ships; (BBE RSV). ...
/z/zemer.htm - 6k

Chamois (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Only in Deuteronomy 14:5 (Hebrews zemer), an animal
of the deer or gazelle species. It bears this Hebrew ...
/c/chamois.htm - 9k

Zoology
... 'Aqqo, dishon and zemer occur only in this passage, te'o only here and in Isaiah
51:20. 'Ayyal occurs 22 times, tsebhi 16 times, yachmur only twice. ...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Goat (92 Occurrences)
... Version "roe," the Revised Version (British and American) "doe"; 'aqqo (Deuteronomy
14:5), English Versions of the Bible "wild goat"; and zemer (Deuteronomy 14 ...
/g/goat.htm - 48k

Zemira (1 Occurrence)

/z/zemira.htm - 6k

Zem'arites (2 Occurrences)
Zem'arites. Zemarites, Zem'arites. Zemer . Multi-Version Concordance Zem'arites
(2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Zemarites, Zem'arites. Zemer . Reference Bible
/z/zem'arites.htm - 6k

Zimran (2 Occurrences)
... zim'-ran (zimran, from zemer, "wild sheep" or "wild goat," the ending -an being
gentilic; Skinner, Genesis, 350): Son of Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2 1 ...
/z/zimran.htm - 8k

Boatmen (3 Occurrences)
... Boatmen (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27:8 The people of Zidon and Arvad were your boatmen;
the wise men of Zemer were in you; they were guiding your ships; (BBE). ...
/b/boatmen.htm - 7k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... It is thought by Tristram to be zemer, English Versions of the Bible "chamois" of
Deuteronomy 14:5, but there is no good evidence that this animal ranges ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

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