Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the lamb as a sacrificial offering is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, symbolizing innocence, purity, and atonement. From the earliest times, the sacrificial lamb has been a central element in the worship and religious practices of God's people, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.Abel's Offering The first recorded instance of a lamb being offered in sacrifice is found in the account of Abel, the son of Adam and Eve. Genesis 4:4 states, "And Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock, and the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering." Abel's offering of the firstborn of his flock, likely a lamb, was accepted by God, signifying the importance of offering the best and purest to the Lord. The Passover Lamb The Passover lamb is one of the most significant sacrificial lambs in the Old Testament. In Exodus 12, God commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. Exodus 12:13 declares, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." This act of sacrifice and the application of the lamb's blood served as a means of deliverance from the final plague in Egypt, marking the beginning of the Israelites' exodus from slavery. The Daily Sacrifices In the Mosaic Law, the daily sacrifices included the offering of lambs. Numbers 28:3-4 instructs, "And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD: two unblemished year-old male lambs each day as a regular burnt offering. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.'" These daily sacrifices underscored the continual need for atonement and the constant presence of God among His people. The Prophetic Significance The sacrificial lamb also holds prophetic significance, pointing to the coming Messiah. Isaiah 53:7 prophesies about the suffering servant, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This passage foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who would be led like a lamb to the cross for the sins of humanity. The Fulfillment in Christ In the New Testament, the symbolism of the lamb reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God in John 1:29 , "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, providing eternal redemption for all who believe. Throughout the biblical narrative, the lamb offered in sacrifice serves as a powerful symbol of atonement, deliverance, and divine provision. From Abel's offering to the Passover lamb, and ultimately to Christ, the Lamb of God, the sacrificial lamb embodies the profound truth of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 4:4And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 22:7,8 Library Our Watchword Notes The Earliest Christian Preaching Christianity Misunderstood by Believers. Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies. The Book of Jubilees Scriptural Types. Symbolic Ornaments of the Church The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Resources What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Agnus Dei? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Lamb: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lamb: Not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished The Lamb of Christ As a Sacrifice The Lamb: (Among Wolves) of Ministers Among the Ungodly The Lamb: (Brought to Slaughter) of the Wicked Under Judgments The Lamb: (Consumed in Sacrifice) of Complete Destruction of The The Lamb: (Deserted and Exposed) of Israel Deprived of God's The Lamb: (Patience of) the Patience of Christ The Lamb: An Extensive Commerce In The Lamb: Considered a Great Delicacy The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of The Lamb: Exposed to Danger from Wild Beasts The Lamb: Numbers of, Given by Josiah to the People for Sacrifice The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice by the Wicked not Accepted The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At a Year Old The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At the Passover The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Every Morning and Evening The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Females The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: from the Earliest Times The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Males The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: While Sucking The Lamb: The First Born of an Donkey to be Redeemed With The Lamb: The Image of, Was the First Impression of on Money The Lamb: The Shepherd's Care For The Lamb: The Young of the Flock The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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