Bible Discussion Thread

In KJ, Exodus 12:5 "ye shall take from the sheep, or from the goats:"

Why was a goat allowed to be sacrificed and not a sheep only?

Thanks,

Dan

Hi Dan. The portion you read in Exodus 12, was not for a regular sacrifice (as made for sins), but "a sacrifice for the LORD's passover" ( Exodus 12:27). This sacrifice wasn't executed by the priests, but by each Israelite family in bondage in Egypt, so that the blood of the sacrifice would be seen by the LORD when He 'passed over (by) them', so that none of their firstborn would be killed. The blood would be applied to the doorposts & lintel & they would then eat the meat of the sacrifice that same night.

As far as why allow both a lamb from the sheep or goats as sacrifice, my sense is that if there was a shortage of sheep or that a family couldn't obtain one, then a goat would suffice as a substitute. However, both animals would still need to meet the strict criteria of being in the first year of age & without any blemish.

What I was thinking.

Thanks