There were shepherds "abiding in the fields" near Bethlehem, which is was only eight miles from Jerusalem. These shepherds were tending the many sheep needed from flocks that were uniquely designated for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. The shepherds were educated in the specific quality of animal required for the sacrifices, and it was their job to make sure that none of the animals were hurt, damaged, or blemished. These lambs were wrapped in "swaddling cloths" to protect them from injury, and were also used to wrap the Lord Jesus at His birth. The angels only told the shepherds that they would find the Babe wrapped in "swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." Mary used what was available to wrap the baby Jesus in the "swaddling cloths", just like baby lambs were swaddled.
These fields surrounding Bethlehem are more significant than Luke tells us in his Gospel, and more information is found in the Mishna. The Mishna is "an authoritative collection of exegetical material embodying the oral tradition of Jewish law and forming the first part of the Talmud" (dictionary.com 2018).Regarding the surrounding "fields", it states:
A. Cattle found between Jerusalem and Migdal Eder— and in an equivalent range on all sides of the city—
B. [if] male, they are deemed to be burnt offerings;
C. [if] female, they are deemed to be peace offerings.
D. [Rabbi] Judah says, "That which is suitable for Passover offerings are Passover offerings [if they are found] thirty days before that festival." (Neusner, 1988, 263)
Furthermore, the Mishna (Baba K. vii. 7) expressly forbids the keeping of flocks I'm other places in the land of Israel. |
