Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4684 sheep

4684 sheep

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4600 Living beings » 4684 sheep

Sheep were a major feature of ancient Israel's rural economy. Although they were of importance as a source of food and wool, they also symbolise helplessness and the need for guidance.

The economic importance of sheep

As a measure of wealth and God's blessing

1 Samuel 25:2; Psalm 144:13 See also Genesis 12:16; Genesis 30:43; Exodus 9:3; Exodus 22:1; Deuteronomy 22:1-2; Joshua 6:21; 2 Samuel 12:2-3; Job 1:3; Job 42:12

As a source of food

1 Samuel 25:18 See also Leviticus 7:23; Numbers 18:17-18; 1 Samuel 14:32; 2 Samuel 17:29; 1 Chronicles 12:40

As a source of wool

2 Kings 3:4 See also Genesis 31:19; Genesis 38:12-13; Deuteronomy 18:4; 1 Samuel 25:7; 2 Samuel 13:23-24; Ezekiel 27:18

Sheep were used in striking a bargain

Genesis 21:27 See also Genesis 20:14; Genesis 30:25-43

The care of sheep was a recognised occupation

1 Samuel 16:11 See also Genesis 29:2-3; Genesis 37:13; 1 Samuel 17:34-35; Songs 1:7; Hosea 12:12

Sheep were used in sacrifice

Exodus 20:24 See also Leviticus 1:10; Leviticus 22:19,23; Numbers 22:40; Deuteronomy 18:3; 1 Kings 1:9; Kings 8:5; John 2:14

The symbolic importance of sheep

Israel without a leader

1 Kings 22:17 See also Numbers 27:16-17; 2 Samuel 24:17; Zechariah 10:2; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31

Helplessness

Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 9:36 See also Psalm 44:11; Psalm 49:14; Jeremiah 12:3; Matthew 10:16; Romans 8:36; Psalm 44:22

Judgment

Matthew 25:32-33 See also Ezekiel 34:17

Sin

Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:25 See also Psalm 119:176; Ezekiel 34:16; Matthew 18:12

The people that belong to God

Psalm 100:3 See also Psalm 74:1; Psalm 78:52; Psalm 79:13; Jeremiah 23:1; Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:11-15; Micah 2:12

Jesus Christ's care for his own

Luke 12:32; John 10:1-16,26-30 See also John 21:16-17; Hebrews 13:20

A picture of God's future blessings

Isaiah 5:17