### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ṭâleh (`{{H2924}}`) is a noun meaning "lamb." It is identified as a variation of ṭəlāʾ (`{{H2923}}`), sharing the same core meaning. The word specifically refers to a young sheep, typically one that is still suckling or has not yet reached full maturity. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on this particular animal. Connotations often include innocence, vulnerability, and suitability for ritual sacrifice, stemming from the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not as frequently used as other terms for sheep (e.g., śeh `{{H7716}}`, keveś `{{H3532}}`), ṭâleh (`{{H2924}}`) appears in key passages that highlight its specific nuances:
* **[[1 Samuel 7:9]]**: "And Samuel took a suckling lamb [ṭâleh] and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD." In this context, the "suckling lamb" emphasizes its youth and purity, making it an unblemished and therefore acceptable offering. The act occurs during a pivotal moment of national repentance and seeking divine deliverance from the Philistines, underscoring the earnestness and completeness of the sacrifice.
* **[[Isaiah 40:11]]**: "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs [ṭâleh] in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." This prophetic passage beautifully portrays God's tender and compassionate care for His people. The imagery of gathering the vulnerable ṭâleh in His arms highlights divine protection, intimate care, and the absolute dependence of the flock (God's people) upon their divine Shepherd.
* **[[Isaiah 65:25]]**: "The wolf and the lamb [ṭâleh] will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD." This eschatological vision describes the peace and harmony of God's new creation. The ṭâleh here represents the epitome of vulnerability, and its peaceful coexistence with the wolf signifies a radical reversal of the natural order, pointing to a future state of perfect shalom where all predation and harm are abolished.
Across these contexts, ṭâleh consistently underscores either the animal's inherent vulnerability and dependence or its unblemished purity, making it suitable for sacred purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and theological significance of ṭâleh are enriched by its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **ṭəlāʾ (`{{H2923}}`):** This is the direct variant and etymological root of ṭâleh, carrying the identical meaning of "lamb." The usage distinction is primarily phonetic.
* **śeh (`{{H7716}}`):** A more general term for a sheep or goat, often used in the context of sacrificial animals, including the Passover lamb. While ṭâleh specifies a young lamb, śeh can refer to an animal of any age suitable for offering.
* **keveś (`{{H3532}}`):** This term specifically refers to a male lamb, frequently prescribed for various burnt offerings and peace offerings. There is semantic overlap with ṭâleh, though keveś might imply a slightly older or more robust lamb.
* **Sacrifice:** The lamb, including the ṭâleh, is central to the Levitical sacrificial system. Its innocence and purity made it an ideal offering for atonement, purification, and communion with God.
* **Shepherd:** The relationship between a shepherd and his flock, particularly the vulnerable lambs, serves as a pervasive biblical metaphor for God's protective, guiding, and nurturing relationship with His people.
### Theological Significance
The ṭâleh (`{{H2924}}`), though a simple animal, carries profound theological weight in the biblical narrative:
* **Symbol of Vulnerability and Dependence:** As seen in [[Isaiah 40:11]], the ṭâleh represents humanity in its inherent weakness and dependence upon God. It highlights God's character as the compassionate Shepherd who intimately cares for and protects His flock, especially the most vulnerable among them. This imagery emphasizes divine grace and the necessity of trusting in God's provision.
* **Eschatological Harmony:** The vision in [[Isaiah 65:25]] elevates the ṭâleh to a symbol of cosmic peace. Its peaceful coexistence with the wolf foreshadows a time when the effects of sin and the curse will be fully reversed, and creation will be restored to its original harmony, free from violence and fear. This speaks to the ultimate hope of God's kingdom.
* **Prefigurement of Christ:** While the New Testament primarily uses Greek terms like amnos (`{{G282}}`) and arnion (`{{G721}}`) for the "Lamb of God," the Old Testament imagery associated with ṭâleh contributes significantly to this foundational concept. The purity, innocence, and sacrificial suitability of the lamb in the Old Testament cultic system point forward to Jesus Christ, the perfect, unblemished Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([[John 1:29]]). The vulnerability of the ṭâleh also subtly foreshadows Christ's humility and willingness to be led "like a lamb to the slaughter" ([[Isaiah 53:7]]) for the redemption of humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ṭâleh (`{{H2924}}`) denotes a young lamb, primarily emphasizing its tender age, innocence, and inherent vulnerability. Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are significant, portraying it as an ideal, unblemished animal for sacrifice, demonstrating purity and devotion ([[1 Samuel 7:9]]). More profoundly, ṭâleh serves as a powerful metaphor for God's people in their dependence, illustrating His tender, compassionate care as the divine Shepherd ([[Isaiah 40:11]]). Furthermore, its presence in eschatological prophecies ([[Isaiah 65:25]]) symbolizes the radical peace and harmony of God's future kingdom, where even the most vulnerable are secure. The theological resonance of ṭâleh thus contributes to the rich biblical tapestry, foreshadowing the ultimate, atoning sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
TRV