Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sheep were a vital part of the agrarian lifestyle and economy, serving not only as a source of wool and milk but also as a significant source of meat. The consumption of sheep's flesh is well-documented throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its importance in the diet and religious practices of the Israelites.Old Testament References The consumption of sheep is first implied in the context of sacrificial offerings. In Genesis 22:7-8, when Isaac inquires about the lamb for the burnt offering, Abraham responds, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." This passage underscores the dual role of sheep as both sacrificial animals and sources of sustenance. In Exodus 12:3-11, the Passover lamb is central to the observance of the Passover feast. The Israelites were instructed to slaughter a lamb and consume it entirely, with specific instructions on how it should be prepared and eaten: "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" (Exodus 12:8). This ritual meal commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and highlighted the significance of sheep in their diet and religious life. Leviticus 7:15-17 provides further insight into the consumption of sacrificial meat, stating that the flesh of the peace offerings was to be eaten on the day of the offering, with any leftovers consumed the next day. This regulation ensured that the meat was fresh and underscored the communal aspect of sharing sacrificial meals. New Testament References In the New Testament, the role of sheep as a food source is less emphasized, but it remains present in the cultural backdrop. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7, while primarily a spiritual metaphor, reflects the everyday reality of sheep herding and the value placed on each animal, which would include its role as a food source. The Gospel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry also provide indirect references to the consumption of sheep. For instance, during the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples would have partaken in the Passover meal, which traditionally included lamb (Matthew 26:17-19). Cultural and Religious Significance Sheep were not only a staple in the diet of the Israelites but also held deep religious significance. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law often required the offering of lambs, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. This practice foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Lamb of God" in John 1:29, who takes away the sin of the world. The consumption of sheep's flesh, therefore, was not merely a dietary choice but was intertwined with the spiritual and communal life of the people. It served as a reminder of God's provision and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the flesh of sheep is depicted as a significant food source, integral to both daily sustenance and religious observance. Its role in sacrificial practices and communal meals highlights the deep connection between physical nourishment and spiritual symbolism in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:18Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 1:19 1 Kings 4:23 Nehemiah 5:18 Isaiah 22:13 Library The Blessing of Full Assurance Instructions to Converts. A Canticle of Love The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Pilgrim's Progress An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... 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 |
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