Topical Encyclopedia The lamb holds a significant place in biblical theology and practice, particularly in the context of sacrifice. From the earliest narratives of the Old Testament to the profound symbolism in the New Testament, the lamb is emblematic of innocence, purity, and atonement.Old Testament Context The use of lambs for sacrifice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The first explicit mention of a lamb in a sacrificial context is found in the account of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22:7-8 , Isaac inquires about the lamb for the burnt offering, to which Abraham responds, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." This narrative foreshadows the provision of a sacrificial substitute. The Passover lamb is another critical instance, instituted during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 12:3-5 , God commands each household to select a lamb without blemish, a year-old male, to be sacrificed. The blood of the lamb was to be applied to the doorposts, serving as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites during the final plague (Exodus 12:13). This event established the Passover as a perpetual ordinance, commemorating God's deliverance and the sparing of the firstborn. The Levitical laws further codified the use of lambs in various offerings. In Leviticus 4:32-35 , a lamb is prescribed as a sin offering for individuals, emphasizing the necessity of a spotless sacrifice to atone for sin. The lamb's blood, sprinkled on the altar, symbolized purification and reconciliation with God. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial lamb in the person of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This declaration underscores Jesus' role as the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling the typology of the Old Testament lambs. The Apostle Peter reiterates this connection, stating that believers were redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Peter 1:19). This imagery highlights the sinless nature of Christ and His sacrificial death as the means of redemption. In the book of Revelation, the lamb continues to be a central figure. Revelation 5:6 describes a Lamb standing as though slain, symbolizing Christ's victory through His sacrificial death. The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll and execute God's final judgment and redemption plan (Revelation 5:9-10). Theological Significance The sacrificial lamb is a profound symbol of atonement and divine provision throughout Scripture. It points to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice to reconcile humanity with God. The lamb's innocence and purity serve as a reminder of the holiness required to approach God, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Through His sacrifice, believers are offered forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life, fulfilling the promises and foreshadowing of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 29:21And they sacrificed sacrifices to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings to the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel: Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 29:32 Library The Beast John Calls Jesus a "Lamb. " Why Does He Name this Animal Specially ... The First Disciples. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... On the Sacrifice of the Mass Jesus the Scapegoat. John's First Testimony to Jesus. What Kind of Spirit is Required for the Study of Holy Scripture. But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures... The Lamb of God in Scripture Resources What is the Passover Lamb? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God? | GotQuestions.org How should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | 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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