Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sheep hold significant economic and symbolic value, often representing wealth, sustenance, and sacrificial offerings. Throughout the Old Testament, sheep are frequently mentioned as spoils of war, reflecting their importance in ancient Near Eastern societies.Biblical Instances 1. The Plunder of the Amalekites: In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men recover their families and possessions after the Amalekites raid Ziklag. Among the recovered items are large numbers of sheep and cattle. The text highlights the abundance of livestock taken as plunder: "David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back" (1 Samuel 30:18-19). The mention of livestock underscores their value as part of the spoils. 2. The Campaign Against the Midianites: In Numbers 31, Moses commands the Israelites to take vengeance on the Midianites. After the victory, the Israelites seize a vast amount of livestock, including sheep. The passage details the division of the spoils: "The plunder remaining from the spoils that the soldiers had taken was 675,000 sheep" (Numbers 31:32). This immense number illustrates the scale of wealth represented by sheep in ancient warfare. 3. The Conquest of the Amalekites by Saul: In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is instructed by God to destroy the Amalekites completely, including their livestock. However, Saul spares the best of the sheep and cattle, which leads to his rejection as king. The narrative emphasizes the value placed on sheep: "But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed" (1 Samuel 15:9). This incident highlights the temptation to retain valuable livestock despite divine commands. Cultural and Economic Significance In the ancient Near East, sheep were a primary source of wealth and sustenance. They provided wool, meat, and milk, making them essential to the agrarian economy. The acquisition of sheep in warfare not only increased a nation's wealth but also its capacity for trade and sustenance. The biblical accounts of sheep taken in war reflect this economic reality, as well as the broader cultural significance of livestock as symbols of prosperity and divine blessing. Symbolic and Religious Implications Sheep also hold a prominent place in the religious life of Israel. They are frequently used in sacrificial offerings, symbolizing atonement and devotion to God. The taking of sheep in war, therefore, had religious implications, as it could enhance a nation's ability to perform sacrifices and maintain religious observance. The biblical narrative often intertwines the economic and religious aspects of sheep, underscoring their multifaceted role in Israelite society. In summary, the frequent mention of sheep taken in great numbers during wartime in the Bible underscores their critical role in the economic, cultural, and religious life of ancient Israel. These accounts reflect the broader historical context in which livestock were integral to both survival and spiritual practice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:4And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till you come to Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 14:32 1 Chronicles 5:21 2 Chronicles 14:15 Library The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... 'Other Sheep' Book 1. Festal Letters. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Palestine under Pagan Kings. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Memphite Empire A Divided Heart The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty 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 |