Insights From the Divine on Bovine
We live in area where cattle are all around. Even at our house, no matter which window you look out, you will probably see cattle grazing. Recently, the Lord inspired me to do a study on the mention of cattle in the Bible.
He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. Psalm 29:6 (KJV)
This typology speaks of youth, strength and a life free from cares. According to Psalm 103:5, God satifies our mouth with good things (words in Hebrew) so our youth is renewed. God wants us living and active at any age. As we confess and act on God’s Word, He renews our strength and youth like an eagle’s (Isaiah 40:31).
Cows or calves in typology also speak of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. For example, the Israelites, participated in wrong worship involving a golden calf, and this displeased God greatly.
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. Hosea 13:2 (KJV)
Our worship must be pure and not mixed with influences of the world. We are to have pure hearts producing pure worship.
Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Hosea 14:2 (KJV)
Words of thanksgiving are to be directed to God. New Testament worship is like the Old Testament sacrifice of cattle before the Lord. Just as a sacrificed animal had to be spotless, our worship is to be pure, true, and from our hearts. Our prayer, praise and thanksgiving to God would be like Israel offering a calf upon the altar to God.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
A calf is also a picture of substitution and sacrifice (Leviticus 9:1-3, 8 and Hebrews 9). The Old Testament believers used the sacrifice of animals to atone for sin. Jesus Christ is our Sacrifice and the cross was the altar upon which He was offered. As we praise God for this sacrifice, we bring glory to the Son (Revelation 5:12-13). Our prayers and praise must be based on the sacrificial work of Christ.
Finally, there is a great promise to us in Malachi that compares us to calves.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:2-3 (KJV)
We will live this out in our lives. The Sun of Righteousness has arisen and we are healed, going forth with the energy and vitality of young calves. We will tread upon our enemies. As we lift up Jesus, He shall be seen like the sun, and healing, wholeness, and maturity will be ours.
Who would have thought we could glean so much about our relationship with God just by studying God’s mention of cattle in the Word? Such inspiring insights from the Divine on bovine!
