Sheep
“Flock, small cattle”
Summary
The most frequently mentioned domestic animal in Scripture, central to Israel's pastoral economy and sacrificial system, and the dominant metaphor for God's people in relation to their divine Shepherd.
☩Sheep in Israelite Life
Sheep were central to Israel's pastoral economy from the patriarchal period onward. The broad-tailed variety common in Palestine could weigh twelve to fifteen pounds in the tail alone, considered a delicacy. Sheep provided wool for clothing, milk for food, and meat for sustenance, while their docile nature made them suitable for large flocks. The shepherd's life, with its dangers from wild animals and thieves, developed qualities of courage, vigilance, and tender care that Scripture consistently applies to spiritual leadership.
☩In the Sacrificial System
Sheep, particularly lambs, were the most common sacrificial animals. The Passover lamb commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, with its blood applied to doorposts providing protection from the destroyer. Daily burnt offerings included lambs morning and evening. Sin offerings, guilt offerings, and peace offerings frequently required sheep. The lamb led to slaughter became Isaiah's prophetic image of the Suffering Servant, fulfilled in Christ who takes away the world's sin.
☩Shepherd and Flock Imagery
Scripture consistently portrays God as Shepherd and His people as sheep. The Lord shepherds Israel, leading them beside still waters and through dark valleys. When leaders failed as shepherds, God promised to gather His scattered flock Himself and raise up the Davidic Shepherd. Israel's sheep were lost, going astray each to their own way, needing the Shepherd's seeking love to bring them home.
☩Christ the Good Shepherd
Jesus declared Himself the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, in contrast to hired hands who flee from danger. His sheep know His voice and follow Him; He knows them by name and gives them eternal life. He has other sheep not of Israel's fold whom He must bring, creating one flock under one Shepherd. As the Great Shepherd of the sheep, He was raised from the dead and continues to care for His flock through undershepherds.
Related Verses194 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sheep," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sheep," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sheep," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).