Sheep


Abel, a keeper of sheep

Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. (Genesis 4:2-5)

Abram's wealth

After receiving the Abrahamic Covenant and learning about the Promised Land of Canaan, Abram traveled in Canaan until severe famine drove him to Egypt. In Egypt, he lied about Sarai being his sister. The princes praised her beauty to Pharaoh, so she was taken into Pharaoh's house. While deceived, he gave Abram sheep, oxen, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. (Genesis 12:16)

After realizing he had taken Abraham's wife as his own, Abimelech gave sheep, oxen, and male and female servants to Abraham, and he told Sarah, "Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated."

(Genesis 20)

Abraham and Abimelech's covenant

When Abraham reproved Abimelech about the well his servants seized, Abimelech claimed ignorance. Abraham gave him sheep and oxen and made a covenant, setting 7 ewe lambs apart as witness that he dug this well. The place was called Beersheba.

(Genesis 21)

Wolves in sheep's clothing

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-16)

Jesus was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table

A Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon came to Jesus for healing for her daughter who was severely oppressed by a demon. Jesus ignored her and told His disciples He was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

(Matthew 15:21-28)

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