Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4600 Living beings » 4651 goat
A common animal used both for food and within the sacrificial system.
The economic importance of goats
For food
Genesis 27:9; Judges 13:15 See also Deuteronomy 14:4,21; Judges 6:19; Proverbs 27:27; Luke 15:29
For fabric
Exodus 35:26 The tabernacle curtains were spun from goat hair, the ordinary material for making tents. See also Exodus 26:7; Exodus 36:14; Revelation 6:12
As a measure of wealth and payment
Genesis 30:32; 1 Samuel 25:2 See also Genesis 32:5,13-14; Genesis 47:17; Proverbs 27:26; Ezekiel 27:21
Goats used in sacrifice
For worship
Genesis 15:9; Judges 13:19; Psalm 66:13-15
For atonement for sin
Leviticus 4:23; Ezra 8:35 See also Leviticus 3:12; Leviticus 4:28; Leviticus 5:6; Leviticus 9:3; Numbers 7:16,22,28; Numbers 15:27
As a fellowship offering
Numbers 7:17,23,29
At the dedication of the temple
1 Kings 8:63 pp 2 Chronicles 7:5 See also 2 Chronicles 30:24; Ezra 6:17
Flawless goats were required
Exodus 12:5 See also Leviticus 1:10; Ezekiel 43:22
The sacrifice of goats is unable to actually remove sins
Isaiah 1:11 In spite of their many sacrifices there was no evidence of repentance; Hebrews 9:12-14; Hebrews 10:3-4
Goats are symbolic of sinful humanity
Matthew 25:32
See also
4603 animals 4654 horn 5155 hair 6614 atonement 6750 sin-bearer 7435 sacrifice, in OT 7440 scapegoat 7459 tabernacle, in OT
