Sheep

Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain "regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a" "result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species" were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God's "care over his people (Ps. 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isa. 40:11;" "53:6; John 10:1-5, 7-16)." "The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 "inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and" "ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs., but sometimes extending to" "30 lbs. The tails are indeed huge masses of fat" (Geikie's Holy" "Land, etc.). The tail was no doubt the "rump" so frequently" referred to in the Levitical sacrifices (Ex. 29:22; Lev. 3:9; 7:3; 9:19). Sheep-shearing was generally an occasion of great "festivity (Gen. 31:19; 38:12, 13; 1 Sam. 25:4-8, 36; 2 Sam." 13:23-28).

A strong fenced enclosure for the protection of the sheep gathered within it (Num. 32:24; 1 Chr. 17:7; Ps. 50:9; 78:70). "In John 10:16 the Authorized Version renders by "fold" two" "distinct Greek words, aule and poimne, the latter of which" "properly means a "flock," and is so rendered in the Revised" Version. (See also Matt. 26:31; Luke 2:8; 1 Cor. 9:7.) (See [578]FOLD.)

"One of the gates of Jerusalem mentioned by Nehemiah (3:1, 32;" 12:39). It was in the eastern wall of the city.

"Occurs only in John 5:2 (marg., also R.V., "sheep-gate"). The" "word so rendered is an adjective, and it is uncertain whether" "the noun to be supplied should be "gate" or, following the" "Vulgate Version, "pool."