Sheep/Lamb

Sheep are mentioned more often in the Bible than any other animal. The earliest mention is in Genesis 4:2, where Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, “was a keeper of sheep” (kjv). Sheep were kept more for their milk and wool than for their meat. The needs of the sheep kept many people living as nomads. The sheep needed pasture and water, so the shepherd and his household moved with the sheep from place to place. Sheep needed constant care. This is why God’s people were called “sheep.” David describes God as a Shepherd in Psalm 23. This description was based on the well- known habits of shepherds in caring for their sheep. Jesus later called Himself the Good Shepherd.

Lambs were the animals most frequently used as a Jewish sacrifice. They were used at the Passover feast, in the morning and evening burnt offerings in the tabernacle, and for many other sacrifices. For the Israelites, the lamb was a symbol of innocence and gentleness. John the Baptist called Jesus the “Lamb of God.”