Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
An important animal among Hebrews, and a main source of wealth
Shepherd’s occupation highly respectable (Gen. 4:2; Ex. 3:1; 1 Sam. 16:11; Job 42:12), though odious to Egyptians. Used for sacrifices (Ex. 20:24; 29:38; Lev. 9:3); for food (1 Sam. 25:18). Wool used for clothing (Lev. 13:47). Skins used for tabernacle coverings (Ex. 25:5). Paid as tribute (2 Kings 3:4). Sheep and shepherd employed much figuratively (2 Chron. 18:16; Psa. 119:176; Matt. 9:36; John 10:11; Heb. 13:20). The common sheep of Syria and Palestine was the broad-tailed variety.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Sheep were bred in great numbers in Palestine, and formed a large part of the property of the Israelites. The species common there was the broad tailed sheep with horns (Ovis laticaudatus and Ovis aries).
In Palestine they follow the shepherd and know his voice, and will not follow a stranger. Sheep and lambs were constantly offered in sacrifice. The morning and evening lamb and the passover lambs were all types of the sacred One who was called “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Symbolically sheep are figurative of mankind, as being prone to wander: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isa. 53:6; Luke 15:4-7). The Lord said, “My sheep shall never perish.” The Good Shepherd calls His own sheep by name, and when brought into His own company they have perfect security, liberty, and sustenance (John 10:9). The Lord led His sheep out of the Jewish fold: these were united with His “other sheep” (Gentile believers), that they all should become “one flock” with one Shepherd (John 10:3, 16). In the future judgment of the nations, those saved are called “sheep,” in distinction from the lost, who are called “goats” (Matt. 25:31-46).
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.
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