Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, sheep were a fundamental component of wealth and livelihood, particularly among the patriarchs of the Bible. The significance of sheep in the patriarchal era is evident in the narratives of the Old Testament, where they are frequently mentioned as a measure of prosperity and divine blessing.Abraham's Wealth in Livestock Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation, is depicted as a wealthy man, with much of his wealth attributed to his possession of livestock, including sheep. Genesis 12:16 records that Pharaoh treated Abram well for Sarai's sake, and Abram acquired "sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels." This passage highlights the importance of sheep as part of the wealth that Abraham accumulated during his sojourns. Isaac's Prosperity Isaac, Abraham's son, also experienced great prosperity, which included a significant number of sheep. Genesis 26:14 states, "He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him." The mention of flocks here underscores the role of sheep in Isaac's wealth and the envy it provoked among neighboring peoples. Jacob's Flocks Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, is another patriarch whose wealth was largely measured by his possession of sheep. His account in Genesis 30-31 details how he increased his wealth through the breeding of sheep. Genesis 30:43 notes, "Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys." The narrative of Jacob's strategic breeding practices illustrates the economic importance of sheep and their role in his prosperity. Sheep in Sacrificial Practices Beyond their economic value, sheep held religious significance as well. They were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, which were central to the worship practices of the patriarchs. Genesis 22:7-8 recounts Isaac's question to Abraham about the lamb for the burnt offering, to which Abraham responds, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." This passage not only highlights the use of sheep in sacrifices but also foreshadows the theological significance of the lamb in later biblical narratives. Symbolism and Legacy Sheep also carry symbolic weight throughout the Scriptures, often representing God's people and the relationship between the divine Shepherd and His flock. This symbolism is rooted in the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs, where the care and management of sheep were daily realities. The legacy of sheep as a measure of wealth and a symbol of divine care continues to resonate throughout biblical literature, reflecting their foundational role in the lives of the patriarchs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 13:5And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:25 Genesis 26:14 Library The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Coming of a Deliverer The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Chapter xxxi The Political Constitution of Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Resources What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org What is sheep stealing? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment 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: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To 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: 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: 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: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth 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 Related Terms |
    |