Bible Dictionaries

Holman Bible Dictionary

Fatlings, Fatted

Generally a young animal put up to be fed for slaughter. Sometimes a general reference to the strongest or choice among a flock or herd is intended. In Pharoah's dream fat cows (Genesis 41:2 ,Genesis 41:2,41:18 ) symbolized years of prosperity. Saul was tempted to spare the choice animals of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:9 ). In Ezekiel 34:3 ,Ezekiel 34:3,34:16 ,Ezekiel 34:16,34:20 the fat sheep symbolize the prosperous leaders of Israel. As choice specimens, fattened animals made an appropriate offering to God ( 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalm 66:15; Amos 5:22 ). Fattened animals are often associated with banquets.

Fattened cattle formed part of the menu for the wedding banquet of the king's son in the parable in Matthew 22:4 . In the parable of the loving father a son is welcomed home with a banquet of a fatted calf (Luke 15:23 ,Luke 15:23,15:27 ,Luke 15:27,15:30 ). Fattened animals were used as a symbol for slaughter. In the New Testament, James pictured the oppressive rich as fattening their hearts for a day of slaughter, perhaps a reference to God's judgment on them (Luke 5:5 ).