As Sources of Food and Materials

The Old Testament portrays the ownership of goats as a gainful enterprise (Prov 27:26), and several biblical texts connect the possession of goats with wealth (Gen 30:32; 1 Sam 25:2). Their worth reflects their varied uses in the ancient world. For example, goats had great value as a source of nourishment. They were an acceptable food according to Old Testament dietary laws (Deut 14:4–5), and many people prized the meat of a young goat (Gen 27:9; Judg 6:19). Goats could also provide milk (Prov 27:27).

Ancient peoples could also use the skin of hair of a goat, which varies in color (e.g., Gen 30:32 refers to spotted goats), to construct tools and objects. For example, the curtains for the tabernacle were constructed out of goat hair (Exod 25:4; 26:7; 35:26). Genesis 21:14 refers to water containers made from goat skin.