Oxen, often referred to as cattle or bulls, hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, both as symbols and as practical animals. In ancient Israelite society, oxen were primarily used for labor, particularly in plowing fields and threshing grain, as seen in 1 Kings 19:19, where Elisha is found plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. The strength and endurance of oxen made them indispensable for agricultural work, which was central to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites.

In the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, oxen were among the animals offered to God. Leviticus 1:3-5 describes the burnt offering of a bull, emphasizing the animal's role in atonement and worship. The sacrifice of oxen was a costly offering, reflecting the worshiper's devotion and repentance. Additionally, oxen are mentioned in the context of wealth and prosperity, as seen in Job 1:3, where Job's wealth is partly measured by his large number of oxen.

Rams

Rams, or male sheep, are frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of sacrifices. The ram is a symbol of strength and leadership, often associated with patriarchal figures. In Genesis 22:13, a ram caught in a thicket is provided by God as a substitute for Isaac, highlighting the theme of divine provision and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The ram is also significant in the consecration of priests. In Exodus 29:15-18, a ram is used in the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their dedication to God's service. The ram's horn, or shofar, is another important biblical symbol, used in various religious and military contexts, such as the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6:4-5.

Goats

Goats are mentioned throughout the Bible, often in the context of pastoral life and sacrificial practices. They were a common livestock animal, valued for their milk, meat, and hair. In Genesis 27:9, Rebekah uses goat meat to prepare a meal for Isaac, illustrating the animal's role in daily sustenance.

In the sacrificial system, goats held a unique place, particularly in the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16. Two goats were chosen: one for the Lord as a sin offering and the other as the scapegoat, symbolically bearing the sins of the people and being sent into the wilderness. This ritual underscores themes of atonement and forgiveness.

Goats also appear in parables and teachings of Jesus, such as in Matthew 25:32-33, where they are used to illustrate the separation of the righteous from the wicked at the final judgment.

Lambs

Lambs are among the most significant animals in the biblical narrative, symbolizing innocence, purity, and sacrifice. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12:3-13, is central to the account of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The blood of the lamb, applied to the doorposts, protected the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn, prefiguring the sacrificial death of Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29).

Lambs were also a common offering in the sacrificial system, representing atonement and reconciliation with God. In Leviticus 4:32-35, a lamb is prescribed as a sin offering, highlighting its role in the worship and religious life of Israel.

The imagery of the lamb is carried into the New Testament, where Jesus is identified as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, fulfilling the prophecies and typologies of the Old Testament. In Revelation 5:12, the Lamb is praised as worthy to receive power and glory, underscoring the centrality of Christ's sacrificial role in redemption.