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Bleating refers to the characteristic cry of sheep, goats, or similar animals. In the Bible, the sound of bleating is often used metaphorically and literally to convey various spiritual and moral lessons. The bleating of sheep is mentioned in several passages, serving as a vivid illustration of themes such as obedience, sacrifice, and the consequences of disobedience.

1. The Bleating of Sheep in the Context of Sacrifice

In the Old Testament, sheep were commonly used in sacrificial offerings to God. The sound of bleating is directly associated with these sacrificial practices. In1 Samuel 15:14, the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul after Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their livestock. Samuel asks, "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of cattle that I hear?" . The bleating of the sheep serves as evidence of Saul's disobedience, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to God's commands.

2. Metaphorical Use of Bleating

The bleating of sheep is also used metaphorically to describe the behavior of people. InIsaiah 53:7, the suffering servant is described as being "like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . Here, the imagery of a silent sheep contrasts with the typical bleating, emphasizing the servant's submission and willingness to suffer without protest.

3. Shepherd Imagery and the Bleating of Sheep

The Bible frequently uses the relationship between shepherds and their sheep to illustrate God's care for His people. InJohn 10:27, Jesus says, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" . While the passage does not explicitly mention bleating, the imagery of sheep listening to the shepherd's voice implies a contrast between the noise of bleating and the attentive silence of obedient sheep. This highlights the importance of recognizing and following the voice of the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

4. The Bleating of Sheep as a Symbol of Judgment

In the prophetic literature, the bleating of sheep can symbolize impending judgment. InJeremiah 25:34-36, the prophet describes the wailing of shepherds and the bleating of their flocks as a sign of the Lord's judgment upon the nations. The sound of bleating here is associated with distress and the consequences of turning away from God.

5. The Role of Bleating in Illustrating Human Behavior

The bleating of sheep is sometimes used to illustrate human behavior, particularly in the context of straying from God's path. InEzekiel 34:6, God laments through the prophet, "My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them" . The scattered sheep, likely bleating in confusion, represent the people of Israel who have wandered away from God's guidance.

In summary, the bleating of sheep in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol with multiple layers of meaning. It is used to illustrate themes of obedience, sacrifice, judgment, and the relationship between God and His people. Through these references, the Bible communicates profound spiritual truths using the simple, everyday sound of bleating.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bleat.

2. (a.) Crying as a sheep does.

3. (n.) The cry of, or as of, a sheep.

6963. qol -- sound, voice
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition sound, voice NASB Word Usage birds (1),
bleating (1), crackling (2), cry (2), crying (1), growl* (1), listen (4...

8292. sheruqah -- hissing, whistling, piping
... hissing. Word Origin from sharaq Definition hissing, whistling, piping NASB
Word Usage hissing (1), piping (1).bleating, hissing. Or...

The Scourging of Jesus.
... of a trumpet, and at such moments you might again hear the noise of the scourges,
the moans of Jesus, the imprecations of the soldiers, and thebleating of the...

A Glance at Jerusalem.
... discordant sounds might be heard the bellowing of the beasts which were tethered
on the outside of the walls of Jerusalem, and the plaintivebleating of the...

Saul Rejected
... 14. And Samuel said, What meaneth then thisbleating of the sheep in mine
ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 15. And...

The Shepherd of Pella
... crest of the hill just above them. The soft tremolo of multitudinousbleating
came out of it. The quick excited bark of a fresh...

Prayer and Missions
... XIII. PRAYER AND MISSIONS. "One day, about this time, I heard an unusualbleating
amongst my few remaining goats, as if they were being killed or tortured....

Through the Red Sea
... The people that had been on their knees rose slowly. Thebleating of the flocks
quieted into stillness. Commotion ceased and Israel held its breath....

The Soul's vitality and Intelligence. Its Character and Seat in...
... 1598] likewise, and Apollodorus, and Chrysippus, entertain this same view, so that
(our friend) Asclepiades may go in quest of his goatsbleating without a...

The Dulness of the Age.
... One runs to the lot; another gazes on the birds; another, having shed the blood
ofbleating animals, calls forth the manes, and credulously desires to hear...

In his Temple
... There could be heard sharp bargaining, the lowing of cattle, thebleating of sheep,
the cooing of doves, mingled with the chinking of coin and angry disputation...

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... You know no difference between thebleating of one sheep from another, but the poor
lambs know their mother's voice, there is a secret instinct of nature that...

Bleating (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bleat. 2. (a.) Crying as a sheep does. 3. (n.) The cry of,
or as of, a sheep. Multi-Version ConcordanceBleating (1 Occurrence)....

Lowing (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 15:14 Samuel said, "Then what does thisbleating of the sheep in my ears,
and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?" (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS...

Meaneth (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). 1 Samuel 15:14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then thisbleating
of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?...

Pau (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Genesis 36:39) or Pai (1 Chronicles 1:50),bleating,
an Edomitish city ruled over by Hadar. Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) See Pah....

Bleat (1 Occurrence)

Bleatings (1 Occurrence)

Mean (93 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 15:14 Samuel said, "Then what does thisbleating of the sheep in my ears,
and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?" (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....

Oxen (176 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 15:14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then thisbleating of the sheep
in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?...

David (1052 Occurrences)
... sang words, either of popular songs or of lyrics of his own composition, in that
wailing eastern key which seems to be an imitation of thebleating of flocks....

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