Mutton Matters

While reading my Bible during a recent quiet time, I came across the story in Matthew about the sheep being separated from the goats. The analogy gave me pause, not about its meaning but about the use of animals. I stopped to consider the vast number of animal references in the Bible. Why so many references and so many different animals? Which animals are most often mentioned? And what animal is mentioned the most? I thought for a moment, then headed for the computer to confirm my guess. I was correct, but the question led me to delve into other facts. I thought you might appreciate some of my findings.  

As you know, my ministry is named Ewe R Blessed Ministries – the ewe being a play on words referring to a female sheep and a synonym for “you.†If you’ve never read the story of how my ministry got its name, take a moment to go to my website homepage at https://ewerblessed.com. On my blog page, you will see two categories about blessings and one about “Lessons from a Sheep.†Since we are talking about animals today, it seemed appropriate to have a sheep lesson.

The Top Ten

I hope you stopped to consider which animal is most often mentioned in the Bible. Did you agree that mutton rules? Of the 125 animals mentioned in the Bible, sheep take first place. They account for approximately 200 times of the more than 2,000 animal references. Lambs (young sheep less than one-year-old) come next with almost as many mentions as sheep. Then lions, ox, rams, and horses. The other four are bullocks, ass, goats, and camels. The dove didn’t make it into the top ten. To its credit, however, it does rank as the top bird of the Bible.

While the number and order of mentioned animals are debatable, it cannot be disputed that each plays a significant role. The animal kingdom teaches important lessons about God and His love for man. The symbolism, purpose, associations, and characteristics of animals touch our senses, understanding, and vulnerabilities through their relatable attributes and behavior. In simple terms, animals help us better understand ourselves and God’s creation.

Three words for “sheep†exist in the Hebrew language: one meaning “small cattle†and used as a symbol for God’s people; a second being used figuratively as if having strayed like a lost sheep, and a third as a “lamb†for sacrifices.

The lamb represents not only religious sacrifices to atone for sin but also innocence and purity. The lamb is central to the celebration of Passover, then and now. The New Testament uses the lamb as a symbol of Christ and his sacrifice on behalf of humanity. Another symbolic representation in animal form is the Holy Spirit, seen as a dove.

Using animal characteristics depict an easy visualization of a gnat as the smallest animal in the Bible (Matthew 23:24). A lion portrays strength and courage (Proverbs 30:29-30), while donkeys envision humility and servitude.

“A lion doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.†These words made me laugh but capture a vast difference between lions and sheep. The attributes of Christ as the Lion of Judah and the Good Shepherd help put it into perspective.

Sheep are the Cat’s Meow! (By the way, cats are never mentioned in the Bible. Sorry, cat lovers.)

Sheep were critical to ancient Israel’s economy. The number owned and the wool produced was a measurement of prosperity (I Samuel 25:2). Sheep were useful in providing milk, meat, and hide for clothing (Job 31:20) and tent coverings (Exodus 26:14). They were also raised for trade, garnering goodwill, and sacrifice. Many sheep characteristics lend themselves to the need for constant supervision, creating a unique relationship with the shepherd. The connection between sheep and shepherds illustrates human nature and God’s relationship to the believer. The shepherd knows each animal by name, and the sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice (John 10:1-11). It is no wonder, then, why sheep serve as a fitting metaphor for God’s people (Psalm 100:3). In Psalm 23, the Shepherd provides for all his people’s needs; he leads them through life and keeps them from harm. In John 10:11, profound commitment and love are seen by the good shepherd willing to lay down his life for the sheep – us.

A Good Shepherd

Have you ever wondered why Jesus distinguishes himself as a “good†shepherd? The leaders of the Israelites were known as shepherds of God’s people or flock. They were called to provide material and spiritual needs of the people, but they exploited their power (Ezekiel 34:1-10). God promised a ‘good shepherd,’ who would rightly care for his people (Ezekiel 34:11-24).

Shepherding was among the lowliest occupations for males unqualified for more dignified labor. The youngest child in a family had the job of tending sheep. Remember David? The humble status of a shepherd may be one reason why Jesus chose the title, demonstrating His meekness and emphasizing that He came for the lowliest of man.

One day the Lamb will pour out His wrath like a lion to destroy all those who oppose Him (Revelation 6:16). The heavens will open, and He will be sitting on a white horse named Faithful and True. See, even the animals recognize righteous glory! I hope you do, too.