Topical Bible: Sheep: Males of Called Rams

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In biblical times, sheep were integral to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and surrounding cultures. The male sheep, known as rams, held particular significance in various aspects of life, including religious rituals, symbolism, and daily sustenance.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Rams are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, leadership, and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, rams were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, a practice that underscored their importance in worship and atonement rituals. For instance, in Genesis 22:13 , Abraham finds a ram caught in a thicket and offers it as a burnt offering in place of his son Isaac: "Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son."

The ram's horn, or shofar, was also a significant instrument in Israelite culture, used in religious ceremonies and as a call to arms. The blowing of the shofar is notably mentioned in Joshua 6:5 during the fall of Jericho: "And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, all the people are to give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead."

Rams in Sacrificial Practices

Rams were often specified in the Levitical laws concerning sacrifices. Leviticus 8:18 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where a ram is used as a burnt offering: "Then Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head." This act of laying hands on the ram symbolized the transfer of sin and the need for atonement, highlighting the ram's role in the sacrificial system.

Symbol of Leadership and Authority

In addition to their sacrificial role, rams were emblematic of leadership and authority. The imagery of a ram is used in prophetic literature to convey power and dominion. In Daniel 8:3-4 , a ram with two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia: "Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. I saw the ram charging westward, northward, and southward. No animal could stand against him, and none could deliver from his power. He did as he pleased and became great."

Cultural and Economic Importance

Beyond their religious significance, rams and sheep were vital to the economy and daily life of the Israelites. They provided wool, meat, and milk, serving as a source of wealth and sustenance. The pastoral lifestyle of many biblical figures, such as David, who was a shepherd before becoming king, underscores the importance of sheep and rams in the cultural and economic fabric of ancient Israel.

In summary, rams in the Bible are multifaceted symbols of sacrifice, leadership, and provision. Their presence in scripture reflects their integral role in the religious, cultural, and economic life of the biblical world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said, Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 51:40
I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Origin of Species.
... ram became a nation of Ancon sheep, though the ... a plant of distinct species, while
the males of the ... and invariable laws, can be rightly called an unintelligent ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... not because ye are not of my sheep, as I ... in its first institution, and therefore
it is called the token ... passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Persian period. ** This monument, which belonged to the Peretie collection,
was found near Amrith, at the place called Nahr-Abrek. The ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... saith God: 'I will surely gather the remnant of Israel"as the sheep of Bozrah ... lion
roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds are called forth against ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm