The meaning of Sheep-shearing in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

shep'-sher-ing: The sheep-shearing is done in the springtime, either by the owners (Genesis 31:19; Genesis 38:13; Deuteronomy 15:19; I Samuel 25:2, I Samuel 25:4) or by regular "shearers" (gazaz) (I Samuel 25:7, I Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7). There were special houses for this work in Old Testament times (II Kings 10:12, II Kings 10:14). The shearing was carefully done so as to keep the fleece whole (Judges 6:37). The sheep of a flock are not branded but spotted. Lime or some dyestuff is painted in one or more spots on the wool of the back as a distinguishing mark. In II Kings 3:4, Mesha, the chief or sheikh of Moab, was a sheep-master, literally, "a sheep spotter."

James A. Patch

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.