Sheep Shearing
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Topical Encyclopedia
Sheep shearing is a significant agricultural and social event in biblical times, often associated with prosperity, festivity, and sometimes deceit. The process of shearing involves the removal of wool from sheep, which was a vital economic activity in ancient Israel, providing wool for clothing and trade. The Bible references sheep shearing in various contexts, highlighting its importance in the agrarian society of the time.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Sheep shearing was a time of celebration and communal gathering. It marked the culmination of a season's work and the beginning of a period of abundance. The shearing season was often accompanied by feasting and rejoicing, as seen in the account of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. Nabal, a wealthy man from Maon, was "shearing his sheep in Carmel" (1 Samuel 25:2), and this event was marked by a grand feast, indicating the prosperity associated with the shearing season.

Biblical Narratives

1. Nabal and Abigail: The account of Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 provides insight into the customs surrounding sheep shearing. David, who was in the wilderness, sent his men to greet Nabal during the shearing festivities, expecting hospitality. However, Nabal's refusal to provide for David's men led to a confrontation, which was averted by the wise intervention of Abigail, Nabal's wife. This narrative underscores the expectation of generosity and hospitality during shearing time.

2. Judah and Tamar: In Genesis 38, the account of Judah and Tamar unfolds during the sheep shearing season. Judah went up to Timnah "to his sheepshearers" (Genesis 38:12), which was a time of festivity. Tamar, seeking justice for being denied her rights, disguised herself and met Judah on his way to the shearing, leading to the birth of Perez and Zerah. This account illustrates how sheep shearing was a time when social norms could be both observed and subverted.

3. Absalom's Shearing Feast: In 2 Samuel 13, Absalom invited all the king's sons to a sheep shearing feast, which he used as an opportunity to avenge the wrong done to his sister Tamar by Amnon. The event, intended for celebration, became a setting for familial conflict and retribution, highlighting the complex social dynamics at play during such gatherings.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Sheep shearing also carries metaphorical significance in the Bible. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter, "and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . This imagery conveys submission and humility, reflecting the servant's willingness to endure suffering without protest.

Conclusion

Sheep shearing in the Bible is more than an agricultural activity; it is a backdrop for narratives that reveal human character, divine providence, and social customs. It serves as a reminder of the rhythms of life in ancient Israel and the moral and spiritual lessons that emerge from these everyday events.
Subtopics

Sheep

Sheep Gate

Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem

Sheep Market

Sheep Market of Jerusalem

Sheep of Backsliders

Sheep of Lost Sinners

Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi)

Sheep of the Jews

Sheep of the People of Christ

Sheep of the Righteous

Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death

Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment

Sheep Tending

Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease

Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts

Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents

Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute

Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War

Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ

Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God

Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate

Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints

Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners

Sheep: Agile

Sheep: Also: Bozrah

Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of

Sheep: Also: Kedar

Sheep: Also: Nebaioth

Sheep: Also: Sharon

Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece

Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To

Sheep: Clean and Used As Food

Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth

Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance

Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing

Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes

Sheep: Figurative

Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests

Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering

Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed

Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn

Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food

Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family

Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants

Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures

Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys

Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains

Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers

Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd

Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures

Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs

Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes

Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon

Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day

Sheep: Innocent

Sheep: Males of Called Rams

Sheep: Milk of, Used As Food

Sheep: Milk of, Used for Food

Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel

Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham

Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah

Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age

Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law

Sheep: Parable of the Lost

Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan

Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah

Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar

Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth

Sheep: Remarkably Prolific

Sheep: Sagacious

Sheep: Shearing of

Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle

Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor

Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites

Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of

Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing

Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites

Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In

Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age

Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year

Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing

Sheep: Young of, Called Lambs

Related Terms

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)

Sheep-cote (2 Occurrences)

Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)

Hosts (326 Occurrences)

Cotes (2 Occurrences)

Sheep (413 Occurrences)

Sheep of Your Pasture
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