Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Several varieties in Palestine, both wild and tame
An important source of food, clothing, and wealth (Gen. 27:9; 1 Sam. 24:2; 25:2; Job 39:1). “Scape-goat,” one of the two offered on Day of Atonement, over which the priest confessed the sins of Israel, and then let it escape to the wilderness (Lev. 16:7-26).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The well-known animal, regarded as clean under the Levitical economy, and having a large place in the sacrifices. Goats formed an important item in the property of the patriarchs. In Daniel’s prophecy of the kingdoms, that of Greece was compared to a “rough he goat,” but with a notable horn between his eyes (Dan. 8:5, 8, 21). The goats, in the sessional judgment of the living nations, represent the lost, in contrast to the saved, who are compared to sheep (Matt. 25:32-33). THE WILD GOATS were larger animals and lived on the mountains (1 Sam. 24:2; Job 39:1; Psa. 104:18).
Nubian Ibex
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Matthew 25:32. He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.
Sheep and goats are allowed to mingle during the day while at pasturage, but at night are separated. Thus the Saviour seeks to illustrate the truth that though righteous and wicked are now together, there will come a time of separation.
Related Books and Articles: