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SHEEP IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL

Large Numbers of Sheep in Bible Times

From the days of Abraham right through to modern times, sheep have been abundant in the Holy Land.

• Arab peoples of the region have depended heavily on sheep for their livelihood.
• The Jews in Bible times were first shepherds and then farmers, but they never completely left the shepherd life.

The sheer number of sheep is seen in examples like:

• Job having 14,000 sheep (Job 42:12)
• Solomon sacrificing 120,000 sheep at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:63)

Fat-Tailed Sheep

The most common type is the fat-tailed sheep.

• The large, fatty tail acts as a reserve of energy, much like the hump of a camel.
• When the animal is butchered, the tail is valuable and may be bought separately to use for frying.

This kind of sheep was already in use in Bible times:

• “Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards” (Exodus 29:22)
• “And the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards” (Leviticus 3:9)

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THE SHEPHERD

The Youngest Boy as Shepherd

In many peasant families, the youngest boy becomes the shepherd, especially when the family both farms and keeps sheep.

• As each older son grows up, he moves from shepherding to helping with ploughing, sowing, and harvesting.
• The task of shepherding is then passed down to the next youngest, until finally the youngest of all becomes the family shepherd.

This was likely the case with Jesse’s family:

“There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11).

David, the youngest of eight sons, became the family shepherd, and his experiences shaped his famous Shepherd Psalm (Psalm 23).

The Shepherd’s Clothing

• Tunic: A simple cotton tunic, girded with a leather belt.
• Outer garment (aba): Often made of camel’s hair, like John the Baptist’s (Matthew 3:4).
  • Keeps the shepherd warm
  • Sheds the rain
  • Doubles as a blanket at night

The Shepherd’s Scrip (Bag)

• A small skin bag, usually made of dried leather.
• The shepherd’s mother would pack it with bread, cheese, dried fruit, and olives.
• David placed five smooth stones into his scrip when he went to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40).

The Shepherd’s Rod

• A short, heavy club like a policeman’s truncheon.
• Often made of oak, with a knob at the end.
• Nails are sometimes driven into the knob to make it a better weapon.
• Essential for protection against wild animals and robbers.

David used such a rod to protect his sheep (1 Samuel 17:34–36).

The rod appears in several Scriptures:

• “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4)
• “I will cause you to pass under the rod” (Ezekiel 20:37)
• “The tenth shall be holy unto the Lord” (Leviticus 27:32)

Shepherds would let sheep pass single-file under the rod at a narrow entrance; every tenth one might be marked with dye as the tithe to the Lord.

The royal sceptre developed from the shepherd’s rod – kings were seen as shepherds of their people.

The Shepherd’s Staff

• A longer stick, about five or six feet, sometimes with a crook at the end.
• Used like a walking stick.
• Helps in guiding and managing the sheep and also serves as a defensive weapon.

David mentions both rod and staff together (Psalm 23:4), speaking of comfort and guidance.

The Shepherd’s Sling

• A simple sling: two cords and a leather pouch for a stone.
• The shepherd swings it overhead and releases one cord to send the stone.

Uses:

• Defence against wild animals and thieves
• Directing sheep – dropping a stone near a wandering sheep to startle it back into line

David famously used his sling to kill Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40–49).

Abigail uses the imagery of the scrip and sling when she says:

“The soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling” (1 Samuel 25:29).

“Bundle of life” likely refers to the shepherd’s bag; enemies are like stones cast away.

The Shepherd’s Flute

• Often a double-piped reed flute.
• The music is simple and often in minor keys, but it refreshes both shepherd and flock.

David likely used such an instrument while watching his sheep near Bethlehem.

The Arabic word for “psalm” means “played on a pipe or flute,” linking music and worship.

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FOOD AND WATER FOR THE FLOCK

Planning Food for the Flock

One of the shepherd’s main tasks is to plan food for the flock throughout the year.

• Spring: Abundant green pasture, usually near the village.
• After harvest: Flocks graze on leftover stalks, fresh shoots, and missed ears of grain in harvested fields.
• Summer: The wilderness of Judea produces grass in spring which dries into standing hay – valuable for summer feeding.

Scripture reflects this:

• “To seek pasture for their flocks” (1 Chronicles 4:39)
• “We thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever” (Psalm 79:13)

In late autumn and winter, when pasture is scarce, the shepherd must feed the sheep himself, sometimes even keeping them in the lower part of his house with the family above.

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11).

In some regions, shepherds cut green branches and twigs from trees in the mountains for the sheep and goats to eat. Micah alludes to this:

• “Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage” (Micah 7:14)

Providing Water

Good pasture must be near accessible water.

• Sheep dislike fast, noisy water and prefer pools or still spots in a stream.
• “He leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2).

In summer, when streams dry up, wells are used.

• A large stone often covers the well and must be removed, as in Jacob’s story (Genesis 29:8–10).
• Watering usually happens at noon: “Lo, it is yet high day… water ye the sheep” (Genesis 29:7).

Water supply is crucial in choosing where to graze.

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THE SHEEPFOLD

Simple Improvised Sheepfolds

When far from home or in mountain regions, shepherds make temporary folds:

• Fences of thorn bushes or simple boughs
• Shepherds often sleep nearby in fine weather

Ezekiel mentions such folds on the high mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 34:14).

Caves and Sheepcotes

• Caves are common in the land and often used as natural shelters.
• Sheep may stay inside the cave at night or in storms, with a stone enclosure built outside the cave mouth.

Saul entered such a sheepcote-cave at En Gedi, not knowing David and his men were hidden inside (1 Samuel 24:3).

More Permanent Sheepfolds

More solid folds are built:

• Usually in a valley or on the sunny side of a hill to protect from cold winds.
• A low building with archways opens onto a walled enclosure.
• In mild weather, sheep stay in the open yard; in cold or stormy weather, they are shut inside.

The walls:

• About 4–6 feet high, thicker at the base
• Built from large stones, filled with smaller stones
• Topped with thorn bushes to keep out wild animals and thieves

A gate is guarded by a watchman.

Jesus refers to this kind of fold in John 10:1–3:

“He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter [watchman] openeth…”

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HANDLING AND GATHERING THE SHEEP

Mixed Flocks

Sometimes several flocks share the same fold or water source.

Jacob saw three flocks lying by the same well (Genesis 29:1–3).

Separating Flocks

When it’s time to separate them, each shepherd stands and calls with his distinctive cry (e.g. “Tahhoo! Tahhoo!”).

• The sheep recognise their own shepherd’s voice.
• Attempts by strangers to copy the call fail – the sheep will not follow.

Exactly as Jesus says:

“The sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow” (John 10:4–5).

Gathering Scattered Sheep

To gather scattered sheep:

• The shepherd stands in the centre and gives his call.
• He uses his sling to send small stones beyond any stragglers to startle them back.
• Only when all are gathered does he lead them on.

Ezekiel uses this image of God gathering Israel from among the nations (Ezekiel 34:12–13).

Use of Dogs

Some shepherds keep dogs to help manage the flock.

• The shepherd goes ahead; the dogs often bring up the rear.
• Dogs bark at intruders and warn of danger.
• At night, they guard the fold.

Job mentions “the dogs of my flock” (Job 30:1).

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INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHEPHERD AND SHEEP

Naming the Sheep

Jesus said, “He calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10:3).

Eastern shepherds do this literally:

• Names like “Pure White”, “Striped”, “Black”, “Brown”, “Gray-eared”
• Each sheep is known and loved individually.

Guidance: Leading, Not Driving

Eastern shepherds lead their sheep; they do not drive them from behind as is common in the West.

• “He goeth before them” (John 10:4)
• Sometimes he is in front, sometimes alongside, sometimes behind to gather stragglers and guard against attack.

Isaiah 52:12 uses this double image of God:

“The LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”

The shepherd must guide sheep along narrow paths between fields where they are not allowed to eat. If a sheep strays into someone’s crop, the shepherd must pay damages. Skilled shepherds have guided large flocks along such paths without a single animal straying.

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3) – the right, narrow paths.

Straying Sheep

Sheep that wander are helpless and easily lost. They lack any real sense of direction.

• The Psalmist prays: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant” (Psalm 119:176).
• Isaiah says: “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6).

The Good Shepherd restores: “He restoreth my soul” (Psalm 23:3).

Playing with the Sheep

Shepherds sometimes play with their flock to relieve the monotony.

• He may pretend to run away, and the sheep chase him, leaping and gambolling around him in delight.

God’s people may feel forsaken (Isaiah 49:14), but our Shepherd promises:

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Deep Knowledge of Each Sheep

A good shepherd knows each sheep individually, sometimes even by touch alone.

• Some have said, “If you blindfold me and let me feel a sheep’s face, I can tell if it’s mine.”
• One Arab shepherd could, in the dark, match each ewe with her own lamb by their cries and movements.

Jesus says:

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep” (John 10:14).

Shepherd vs Hireling

When a flock grows large, a shepherd may hire help.

• A hireling does not love the sheep as the shepherd does.
• When danger comes, the hireling may run away.

Jesus:

“The hireling fleeth… because he careth not for the sheep” (John 10:13).
“The wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep” (John 10:12).

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CARING FOR SHEEP IN SPECIAL NEED

Crossing Streams

When crossing a stream:

• The shepherd goes first.
• Bold sheep that stay close to him cross easily.
• Others, further away, may be swept downstream but usually scramble out.
• Lambs may struggle; if one is swept away, the shepherd jumps in, rescues it, and carries it to safety.

God speaks this way to His people:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee” (Isaiah 43:2).

Care of Lambs and Ewes

At lambing time, special care is needed, especially while moving to new grazing.

• Pregnant ewes and those with young are kept close to the shepherd.
• Tiny lambs are carried in his bosom, using his tucked-up garment as a kind of pouch.

Isaiah 40:11 beautifully describes this:

“He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Care of Sick or Wounded Sheep

The shepherd constantly watches for any sheep that is suffering.

• A lamb might be scorched by the sun or scratched by thorns.
• The most common remedy is olive oil, carried in a ram’s horn.

David writes:

“Thou anointest my head with oil” (Psalm 23:5).

Watching by Night

Often the flock stays in the open country at night.

• Shepherds make simple beds inside circles of stones with rushes for bedding.
• A fire is lit in the middle to keep them warm and to ward off animals.

The Bethlehem shepherds kept such night watches when the angels appeared (Luke 2:8).

Jacob also speaks of enduring heat by day and frost by night for the sake of the flock (Genesis 31:40).

Protection from Robbers and Wild Animals

Robbers might climb over the wall of a fold, cut sheep’s throats, and throw them over to accomplices.

Jesus describes such thieves in John 10:10.

Wild animals in Bible lands include:

• Wolves, panthers, hyenas, jackals
• In David’s time, lions and bears still lived in the region

David fought both lion and bear to protect his flock (1 Samuel 17:34–37).

Amos speaks of a shepherd snatching “two legs or a piece of an ear” from a lion’s mouth (Amos 3:12) – a picture of a desperate rescue.

A true shepherd is willing to risk his life for the flock. Jesus goes further:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Seeking and Finding Lost Sheep

Because he is responsible for every sheep, the shepherd will spend hours searching for one that has strayed.

• Often the lost sheep is found exhausted in a ravine or hollow.
• The shepherd carries it home on his shoulders.

Jesus captures this in His parable (Luke 15:4–6):

“Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

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SHEEP PRODUCTS

Wool

• Wool was the main clothing material in Bible times, especially for outer garments.
• Sheep are washed before shearing (Song of Solomon 4:2).
• White wool is especially valued.

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Sheepskins

• Coats made of sheep skins with the wool still on have been common for centuries.
• Hebrews 11:37 mentions persecuted believers “wandering about in sheepskins and goatskins.”

Meat and Sacrifice

• Meat was usually reserved for special occasions: feasts, weddings, honoured guests.
• Sheep were often boiled but sometimes roasted.

Sheep were central to the sacrificial system:

• A young male lamb was commonly offered for thanksgiving, atonement, or redemption.
• The Passover lamb was especially important:
  • Male, without blemish, in its first year
  • Killed on the 14th of Abib (Nisan)
  • Blood sprinkled with hyssop
  • In Egypt: on doorposts and lintel
  • In Canaan: on the altar
  • Roasted whole; no bone broken
  • Eaten in haste, with leftovers burned

Passover became the backdrop for the Lord’s Supper.

Milk

• Sheep’s milk is rich and highly valued in the East.
• Usually made into leben (soured milk), cheese, or buttermilk rather than drunk fresh.

Rams’ Horns

Rams’ horns were used for:

• Carrying liquids (e.g., oil) – ends plugged and sealed
• Holding anointing oil:
  • Samuel’s horn of oil for David (1 Samuel 16:1)
  • Zadok’s horn of oil for Solomon (1 Kings 1:39)
• Trumpets (shofar):
  • Sounding the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:9)
  • The Feast of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1)
  • Encircling Jericho (Joshua 6:4)
  • Summoning the people (Jeremiah 4:5)

The typical shofar is about 18 inches long, made from the left horn of the fat-tailed sheep, softened and shaped with heat.

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GOATS

Care and Leadership

Goats are often kept alongside sheep and cared for similarly.

• Usually a he-goat leads the flock, walking ahead with dignity.
• This image is used of kings and leaders (Isaiah 14:9; Zechariah 10:3; Daniel 8:5).

Differences Between Goats and Sheep

• Most sheep in Palestine are white; most goats are black.
• Sheep prefer plains and gentle valleys; goats enjoy rocky slopes.
• Goats love the young leaves of trees; sheep prefer grass.
• Goats will feed all day in the heat; sheep rest at noon in shade (Song of Solomon 1:7).
• Goats are:
  • Bolder and more venturesome
  • More playful and restless
  • More likely to stray into grainfields
  • Harder to control

Separating Sheep and Goats

Though they may graze together, the time comes to separate them.

A shepherd might:

• Tap sheep on one side of the head so they go to his right
• Tap goats on the other side so they go to his left

This lies behind Jesus’ picture of judgment:

“He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:32–33).

Goat’s Milk

• Goat’s milk is rich and excellent for leben, buttermilk, and cheese.
• Proverbs highlights its value (Proverbs 27:27).

Meat of Kids

• Adult male goats are tough; females are kept for breeding and milk.
• The meat most commonly used is that of the young male kid.
• In the Old Testament, a kid might be prepared for honoured guests (Judges 6:19).

In the Prodigal Son story, the elder brother complains:

“Thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends” (Luke 15:29),

contrasting it with the fatted calf killed for his brother.

Goats’ Hair and Skins

• Goats’ hair was valued:
  • Used in the Tabernacle coverings (Exodus 26:7)
  • Used for Bedouin tents in Bible times and today
• Goat skins make durable leather, often better than sheepskin.
  • Used to make “bottles” (skins) for water and other liquids.

Goats in Sacrifice

The Law often allowed either sheep or goats for burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:10).

On the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16):

• One goat was sacrificed.
• Another became the scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people.
  • It was taken into the wilderness and released.
  • Later practice ensured it did not return by pushing it from a cliff.

This powerfully foreshadows Christ bearing away our sin. John the Baptist’s words:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29),

are rooted both in lamb and scapegoat imagery.

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Note:
This blog is adapted and simplified from variousclassic descriptions of Bible lands and customs (e.g. Thomson, Geikie, Rihbany, Mackie, Wood, and others), especially Chapter 18 of Manner And Customs of Bible Lands by Fred H. Wight