Description
Here we see three kinds of four-footed beasts – oxen, sheep and goats and two of birds – turtledoves and young pigeons – that were used for sacrifices in the Temple. Leviticus 3.1 stipulates that the offering to the Lord was to be “of the cattle, of the herd and of the flock.” The oxen represented strength, the sheep innocent submission and the goat, an assertive animal, the mind of the flesh. Turtledoves or young pigeons were fitting types of the harmlessness of the Son of God “holy, harmless, undefiled” (Hebrews 7.26).