In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, ewes and female goats held significant economic and symbolic importance. These animals are frequently mentioned in the Bible, serving as essential components of pastoral life, religious rituals, and metaphorical language.

Ewes in the Bible

Ewes, or female sheep, are often highlighted in the Scriptures for their value in providing wool, milk, and offspring. They are integral to the livelihood of shepherds and farmers. The Bible frequently uses sheep, including ewes, as symbols of innocence, purity, and the people of God.

One of the most notable references to ewes is found in the account of Nathan's parable to King David, where a poor man's ewe lamb is described with deep affection, illustrating the man's love and care for the animal (2 Samuel 12:3). This parable underscores the ewe's role as a cherished possession and a symbol of innocence and vulnerability.

In the sacrificial system, ewes were sometimes used in offerings, although male lambs were more commonly specified. The Passover lamb, for instance, was to be a male without blemish (Exodus 12:5), but the presence of ewes in flocks was essential for the continuation of the herd and the provision of future sacrificial animals.

Female Goats in the Bible

Female goats, like ewes, were vital to the economy and daily life of ancient Israel. They provided milk, meat, and hides, and were often part of the wealth of a household. Goats are mentioned alongside sheep in various contexts, highlighting their complementary roles in pastoral life.

In the sacrificial system, female goats were acceptable offerings for certain types of sacrifices. For example, a female goat could be offered as a sin offering (Leviticus 4:28). This indicates their role in the religious life of the Israelites, serving as a means of atonement and reconciliation with God.

The Bible also uses goats in metaphorical language. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus distinguishes between the righteous and the unrighteous, using sheep and goats to symbolize the two groups (Matthew 25:32-33). This imagery draws on the common practice of separating sheep and goats, which would have been familiar to Jesus' audience.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Both ewes and female goats are used symbolically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths. Sheep, including ewes, often represent God's people, who are in need of guidance and protection from the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). The vulnerability and dependence of sheep on their shepherd serve as a powerful metaphor for the believer's relationship with God.

Goats, on the other hand, sometimes symbolize sin and separation from God, as seen in the Day of Atonement ritual where a goat is sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:10). This act underscores the concept of atonement and the removal of sin.

Cultural and Economic Significance

In the cultural context of the Bible, the possession of ewes and female goats was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Job's wealth, for instance, is partially measured by his large flocks of sheep and goats (Job 1:3). The ability to sustain and grow these flocks was crucial for the economic stability of a family or tribe.

The care and management of ewes and female goats required skill and dedication, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of many biblical figures, including the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their accounts often involve the tending of flocks, highlighting the centrality of these animals in their lives and in the broader narrative of God's covenant with His people.

In summary, ewes and female goats are more than just livestock in the biblical narrative; they are woven into the fabric of Israel's history, economy, and spiritual life, serving as symbols of innocence, provision, and the complex relationship between humanity and the divine.