Topical Encyclopedia
The term "ring-straked" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Genesis, and is used to describe a particular pattern or marking on livestock. This term is most notably associated with the narrative of Jacob and Laban, where it describes the appearance of certain animals in Jacob's flock.
Biblical Context:In
Genesis 30:25-43, the account unfolds where Jacob, having served Laban for many years, seeks to establish his own wealth. Jacob proposes a deal with Laban to separate the flocks based on their markings. The "ring-straked" animals, along with the speckled and spotted, are to be Jacob's wages.
Genesis 30:39 states, "So the flocks bred in front of the branches, and the flocks bore young that were streaked, speckled, and spotted."
The term "ring-straked" refers to animals that have streaks or bands of color around their bodies, distinguishing them from solid-colored animals. This specific marking is part of the miraculous increase of Jacob's flocks, as God blesses him with abundant livestock despite Laban's attempts to deceive him.
Theological Significance:The account of the ring-straked animals is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Jacob's reliance on God's guidance and his innovative approach to animal husbandry reflect his growing faith and trust in God's provision. The increase of the ring-straked and other distinctively marked animals serves as a tangible sign of God's blessing upon Jacob, fulfilling His promise to make Jacob prosperous.
Cultural and Historical Insights:In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity. The differentiation of animals by their markings was a common practice for managing and identifying ownership. The narrative of the ring-straked animals highlights the importance of livestock in the patriarchal society and underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness required in pastoral life.
Symbolic Interpretation:From a symbolic perspective, the ring-straked animals can be seen as a metaphor for God's ability to bring about unexpected outcomes and blessings. Just as the marked animals were set apart for Jacob, believers are reminded of their own distinct identity and calling in God's plan. The account encourages faithfulness and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
Conclusion:The term "ring-straked" in the Bible serves as a vivid illustration of God's intervention and blessing in the life of Jacob. It underscores themes of divine providence, covenant faithfulness, and the transformative power of God's promises. Through the narrative of the ring-straked animals, readers are invited to reflect on the ways God works through ordinary means to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Strong's Hebrew
6124. aqod -- striped, streaked... striped (7).
ring straked. From aqad; striped (with bands) --
ring straked. see
HEBREW aqad. 6123, 6124. aqod. 6125 . Strong's Numbers.
Thesaurus
Ringstraked (5 Occurrences)...Ringstraked (5 Occurrences). Genesis 30:39 And the flock was ardent before the rods;
and the flock brought forth
ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. (DBY).
...Ring-straked (5 Occurrences)
Ring-straked.Ringstraked,Ring-straked. Ringstreaked . Multi-Version Concordance...
Ringstraked,Ring-straked. Ringstreaked . Reference Bible.
Flocks (128 Occurrences)
... Genesis 31:8 If he said thus; The speckled shall be thy hire, then all the flocks
bore speckled; and if he said thus: Theringstraked shall be thy hire, then...
Ringstreaked (5 Occurrences)
... RINGSTREAKED. ring'-strekt (the King James Version and the English Revised Version
ringstraked): Genesis 30:35, 39, 40; Genesis 31:8 (twice), 10, 12 for `aqodh....
Grisled (4 Occurrences)
... of the flock conceiving, that I lift up mine eyes and see in a dream, and lo, the
he-goats, which are going up on the flock, 'are'ring-straked, speckled, and...
Spotted (9 Occurrences)
... of the ardour of the flocks, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and
behold, the rams that leaped upon the flocks wereringstraked, speckled, and...
Colors (12 Occurrences)
... In addition there are indefinite words indicating mixtures of light and dark: (a)
grisled (grizzled), (b)ringstraked (ringstreaked), (c) speckled, (d) spotted...
Color (18 Occurrences)
... In addition there are indefinite words indicating mixtures of light and dark: (a)
grisled (grizzled), (b)ringstraked (ringstreaked), (c) speckled, (d) spotted...
Rings (46 Occurrences)
Lambs (107 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he-goats that wereringstraked and spotted,
and all the she-goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had...
Resources
What does the Bible say about nose rings / getting a nose ring? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Zerubbabel was the LORD's signet ring (Haggai 2:23)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian wear a purity ring? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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