Sheep

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.

The economic importance of sheep

As a measure of wealth and God's blessing

1 Samuel 25:2; Psalm 144:13 See also Genesis 12:16, Genesis 30:43; Exodus 9:3, Exodus 22:1; Deuteronomy 22:1–2; Joshua 6:21; 2 Samuel 12:2–3; Job 1:3, Job 42:12

Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel.

Our storehouses will be full, supplying all manner of produce; our flocks will bring forth thousands, tens of thousands in our fields.

As a source of food

1 Samuel 25:18 See also Leviticus 7:23; Numbers 18:17–18; 1 Samuel 14:32; 2 Samuel 17:29; 1 Chronicles 12:40

Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys

As a source of wool

2 Kings 3:4 See also Genesis 31:19, Genesis 38:12–13; Deuteronomy 18:4; 1 Samuel 25:7; 2 Samuel 13:23–24; Ezekiel 27:18

Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.

Sheep were used in striking a bargain

Genesis 21:27 See also Genesis 20:14, Genesis 30:25–43

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.

The care of sheep was a recognised occupation

1 Samuel 16:11 See also Genesis 29:2–3, Genesis 37:13; 1 Samuel 17:34–35; Song of Solomon 1:7; Hosea 12:12

And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

Sheep were used in sacrifice

Exodus 20:24 See also Leviticus 1:10, Leviticus 22:19, Leviticus 22:23; Numbers 22:40; Deuteronomy 18:3; 1 Kings 1:9, 1 Kings 8:5; John 2:14

You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

The symbolic importance of sheep

Israel without a leader

1 Kings 22:17 See also Numbers 27:16–17; 2 Samuel 24:17; Zechariah 10:2, Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31

So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

Helplessness

Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 9:36 See also Psalm 44:11, Psalm 49:14; Jeremiah 12:3; Matthew 10:16; Romans 8:36; Psalm 44:22

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.

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Judgment

Matthew 25:32–33 See also Ezekiel 34:17

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.

Sin

Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:25 See also Psalm 119:176; Ezekiel 34:16; Matthew 18:12

We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The people that belong to God

Psalm 100:3 See also Psalm 74:1, Psalm 78:52, Psalm 79:13; Jeremiah 23:1, Jeremiah 50:6; Ezekiel 34:11–15; Micah 2:12

Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Jesus Christ's care for his own

Luke 12:32; John 10:1–16, John 10:26–30 See also John 21:16–17; Hebrews 13:20

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

A picture of God's future blessings

Isaiah 5:17

Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy.