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Sheep were a major feature of ancient Israel’s rural economy. Although they were of importance as a source of food and wool, they also symbolise helplessness and the need for guidance.
As a measure of wealth and God’s blessing 1Sa 25:2; Ps 144:13 See also Ge 12:16; Ge 30:43; Ex 9:3; Ex 22:1; Dt 22:1-2; Jos 6:21; 2Sa 12:2-3; Job 1:3; Job 42:12
As a source of food 1Sa 25:18 See also Lev 7:23; Nu 18:17-18; 1Sa 14:32; 2Sa 17:29; 1Ch 12:40
As a source of wool 2Ki 3:4 See also Ge 31:19; Ge 38:12-13; Dt 18:4; 1Sa 25:7; 2Sa 13:23-24; Eze 27:18
Sheep were used in striking a bargain Ge 21:27 See also Ge 20:14; Ge 30:25-43
The care of sheep was a recognised occupation 1Sa 16:11 See also Ge 29:2-3; Ge 37:13; 1Sa 17:34-35; SS 1:7; Hos 12:12
Ex 20:24 See also Lev 1:10; Lev 22:19,23; Nu 22:40; Dt 18:3; 1Ki 1:9; 1Ki 8:5; Jn 2:14
Israel without a leader 1Ki 22:17 See also Nu 27:16-17; 2Sa 24:17; Zec 10:2; Zec 13:7; Mt 26:31
Helplessness Isa 53:7; Mt 9:36 See also Ps 44:11; Ps 49:14; Jer 12:3; Mt 10:16; Ro 8:36; Ps 44:22
Judgment Mt 25:32-33 See also Eze 34:17
Sin Isa 53:6; 1Pe 2:25 See also Ps 119:176; Eze 34:16; Mt 18:12
The people that belong to God Ps 100:3 See also Ps 74:1; Ps 78:52; Ps 79:13; Jer 23:1; Jer 50:6; Eze 34:11-15; Mic 2:12
Jesus Christ’s care for his own Lk 12:32; Jn 10:1-16,26-30 See also Jn 21:16-17; Heb 13:20
A picture of God’s future blessings Isa 5:17
1220 | God as shepherd |
2330 | Christ as shepherd |
4478 | meat |
4645 | fleece |
4651 | goat |
4663 | lamb |
4681 | ram |
4693 | wool |
5611 | watchman |
7130 | flock, God’s |
7784 | shepherd |