The shepherd and sheep analogy
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The shepherd and sheep analogy
The shepherd and sheep analogy
David’s masterpiece, Psalms 23, contains a treasure trove of spiritual truth.
David’s masterpiece, Psalms 23, contains a treasure trove of spiritual truth.
ALLOW US TO BEGIN BY LOOKING AT SOME BIBLE DICTIONARY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD
ALLOW US TO BEGIN BY LOOKING AT SOME BIBLE DICTIONARY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD
“SHEPHERD”
“SHEPHERD”
1. Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Shepherd
1. Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Shepherd
Shepherd [N] [S]a word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture.
Shepherd [N] [S]a word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture.
Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead ( Jeremiah 2:8 ; 3:15 ; 10:21 ; 12:10 ; 17:16 ).
Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead ( Jeremiah 2:8 ; 3:15 ; 10:21 ; 12:10 ; 17:16 ).
8 The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
21 For the pastors are become brutish, And have not sought the Lord: Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered.
10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
16 As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.
This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people ( Psalms 23:1 ; 80:1 ; Isaiah 40:11 ; 44:28 ; Jeremiah 25:34 Jeremiah 25:35 ; Nahum 3:18 ; John 10:11 John 10:14 ; Hebrews 13:20 ; 1 Peter 2:25 ; 5:4 ).
This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people ( Psalms 23:1 ; 80:1 ; Isaiah 40:11 ; 44:28 ; Jeremiah 25:34 Jeremiah 25:35 ; Nahum 3:18 ; John 10:11 John 10:14 ; Hebrews 13:20 ; 1 Peter 2:25 ; 5:4 ).
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, And carry them in his bosom, And shall gently lead those that are with young.
28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, And shall perform all my pleasure: Even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; And to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; And wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: For the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; And ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.
35 And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, Nor the principal of the flock to escape.
18 Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: Thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous.
The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous.
"In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured.
"In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured.
Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back.
Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back.
In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs.
In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs.
At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing.
At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing.
Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1 Samuel 17:34 ).", Deane's David.
Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1 Samuel 17:34 ).", Deane's David.
34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
2. Bible Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Shepherd
2. Bible Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Shepherd
Shepherd. [N] [E]
Shepherd. [N] [E]
In a nomadic state of society every man, from the sheikh down to the slave, is more or less a shepherd.
In a nomadic state of society every man, from the sheikh down to the slave, is more or less a shepherd.
The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life.
The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life.
The occupation of tending the flocks was undertaken,not only by the sons of wealthy chiefs, ( Genesis 30:29 ) ff.; Genesis37:12 ff., but even by their daughters. ( Genesis 29:6 Genesis 29:8 ; Exodus 2:10 )
The occupation of tending the flocks was undertaken,not only by the sons of wealthy chiefs, ( Genesis 30:29 ) ff.; Genesis37:12 ff., but even by their daughters. ( Genesis 29:6 Genesis 29:8 ; Exodus 2:10 )
29 And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.
6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.
10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
The Egyptian captivity did march to implant a love of settled abode, and consequently we find the tribes which still retained a taste for shepherd life selecting their own quarters apart from their brethren in the transjordanic district. ( Numbers 32:1 ) ff.
The Egyptian captivity did march to implant a love of settled abode, and consequently we find the tribes which still retained a taste for shepherd life selecting their own quarters apart from their brethren in the transjordanic district. ( Numbers 32:1 ) ff.
1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
Thenceforward in Palestine proper the shepherd held a subordinate position.
Thenceforward in Palestine proper the shepherd held a subordinate position.
The office of the eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible, was attended with much hardship, and even danger.
The office of the eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible, was attended with much hardship, and even danger.
He was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold, ( Genesis 31:40 ) his food frequently consisted of the precarious supplies afforded by nature, such as the fruit of the "sycamore" or Egyptian fig, ( Amos 7:14 )
He was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold, ( Genesis 31:40 ) his food frequently consisted of the precarious supplies afforded by nature, such as the fruit of the "sycamore" or Egyptian fig, ( Amos 7:14 )
40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
the "husks" of the carob tree, ( Luke 15:16 ) and perchance the locusts and wild honey which supported the Baptist, ( Matthew 3:4 ) he had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, occasionally of the larger species, such as lions, nerves, panthers and bears, ( 1 Samuel 17:34 ; Isaiah 31:4 ; Jeremiah 5:6 ; Amos 5:12 ) nor was he free from the risk of robbers or predators hordes. ( Genesis 31:39 )
the "husks" of the carob tree, ( Luke 15:16 ) and perchance the locusts and wild honey which supported the Baptist, ( Matthew 3:4 ) he had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, occasionally of the larger species, such as lions, nerves, panthers and bears, ( 1 Samuel 17:34 ; Isaiah 31:4 ; Jeremiah 5:6 ; Amos 5:12 ) nor was he free from the risk of robbers or predators hordes. ( Genesis 31:39 )
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
4 For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, When a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, He will not be afraid of their voice, Nor abase himself for the noise of them: So shall the Lord of hosts come down To fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: They afflict the just, they take a bribe, And they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
To meet these various foes the shepherds equipment consisted of the following articles: a mantle, made probably of sheep skin with the fleece on, which he turned inside out in cold weather, as implied in the comparison in ( Jeremiah 43:12 ) (cf. Juv. xiv. 187.);
To meet these various foes the shepherds equipment consisted of the following articles: a mantle, made probably of sheep skin with the fleece on, which he turned inside out in cold weather, as implied in the comparison in ( Jeremiah 43:12 ) (cf. Juv. xiv. 187.);
12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
a scrip or wallet, containing a small amount of food ( 1 Samuel 17:40 )
a scrip or wallet, containing a small amount of food ( 1 Samuel 17:40 )
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
a sling, which is still the favorite weapon of the Bedouin shepherd, ( 1 Samuel 17:40 )
a sling, which is still the favorite weapon of the Bedouin shepherd, ( 1 Samuel 17:40 )
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
and lastly, a which served the double purpose of a weapon against foes and a crook for the management of the flock. ( 1 Samuel 17:40 ; Psalms 23:4 ; Zechariah 11:7 )
and lastly, a which served the double purpose of a weapon against foes and a crook for the management of the flock. ( 1 Samuel 17:40 ; Psalms 23:4 ; Zechariah 11:7 )
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
7 And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.
If the shepherd was at a distance from his home, he was provided with a light tent, ( Solomon 1:8 ; Jeremiah 35:7 ) the removal of which was easily effected. ( Isaiah 38:12 )
If the shepherd was at a distance from his home, he was provided with a light tent, ( Solomon 1:8 ; Jeremiah 35:7 ) the removal of which was easily effected. ( Isaiah 38:12 )
7 Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.
12 Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd’s tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: From day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
In certain localities, moreover, towers were erected for the double purpose of spying an enemy at a distance and of protecting the flock; such towers were erected by Uzziah and Jotham, ( 2 Chronicles 26:10 ; 27:4 ) while their existence in earlier times is testified by the name Migdal-edar ( Genesis 35:21 )
In certain localities, moreover, towers were erected for the double purpose of spying an enemy at a distance and of protecting the flock; such towers were erected by Uzziah and Jotham, ( 2 Chronicles 26:10 ; 27:4 ) while their existence in earlier times is testified by the name Migdal-edar ( Genesis 35:21 )
10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.
Authorized Version "a tower of Edar;" ( Micah 4:8 ) Authorized Version "tower of the flock."
Authorized Version "a tower of Edar;" ( Micah 4:8 ) Authorized Version "tower of the flock."
8 And thou, O tower of the flock, The strong hold of the daughter of Zion, Unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; The kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
The routine of the shepherds duties appears to have been as follows:
The routine of the shepherds duties appears to have been as follows:
In the morning he led forth his flock from the fold ( John 10:4 ) which he did by going before them and calling to them, as is still usual in the East;
In the morning he led forth his flock from the fold ( John 10:4 ) which he did by going before them and calling to them, as is still usual in the East;
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
arrived at the pasturage he watched the flock with the assistance of dogs, ( Job 30:1 )
arrived at the pasturage he watched the flock with the assistance of dogs, ( Job 30:1 )
1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, Whose fathers I would have disdained To have set with the dogs of my flock.
and should any sheep stray, he had to search for it until he found it, ( Ezekiel 34:12 ; Luke 15:4 )
and should any sheep stray, he had to search for it until he found it, ( Ezekiel 34:12 ; Luke 15:4 )
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
he supplied them with water, either at a running stream or at troughs attached to wells, ( Genesis 29:7 ; 30:38 ; Exodus 2:16 ; Psalms 23:2 )
he supplied them with water, either at a running stream or at troughs attached to wells, ( Genesis 29:7 ; 30:38 ; Exodus 2:16 ; Psalms 23:2 )
7 And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
at evening he brought them back to the fold, and reckoned them to see that none were missing, by passing them "under the rod" as they entered the door of the enclosure ( Leviticus 27:32 ; Ezekiel 20:37 )
at evening he brought them back to the fold, and reckoned them to see that none were missing, by passing them "under the rod" as they entered the door of the enclosure ( Leviticus 27:32 ; Ezekiel 20:37 )
32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.
37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
checking each sheep, as it passed, by a motion of the hand, ( Jeremiah 33:13 )
checking each sheep, as it passed, by a motion of the hand, ( Jeremiah 33:13 )
13 In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the Lord.
and, finally, he watched the entrance of the fold throughout the night, acting as porter. ( John 10:3 )
and, finally, he watched the entrance of the fold throughout the night, acting as porter. ( John 10:3 )
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
[See Sheepfold, under SHEEP] The shepherds office thus required great watchfulness, particularly by night. ( Luke 2:8 )
[See Sheepfold, under SHEEP] The shepherds office thus required great watchfulness, particularly by night. ( Luke 2:8 )
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble, ( Isaiah 40:11 ) particularly in driving them to and from the pasturage.
It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble, ( Isaiah 40:11 ) particularly in driving them to and from the pasturage.
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, And carry them in his bosom, And shall gently lead those that are with young.
( Genesis 33:13 )
( Genesis 33:13 )
13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
In large establishments there are various grades of shepherds, the highest being styled "rulers," ( Genesis 47:6 ) or "chief shepherds," ( 1 Peter 5:4 ) in a royal household the title of abbir "mighty," was bestowed on the person who held the post. ( 1 Samuel 21:7 ) [SHEEP]
In large establishments there are various grades of shepherds, the highest being styled "rulers," ( Genesis 47:6 ) or "chief shepherds," ( 1 Peter 5:4 ) in a royal household the title of abbir "mighty," was bestowed on the person who held the post. ( 1 Samuel 21:7 ) [SHEEP]
6 The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.
3. Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Shepherd
3. Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Shepherd
SHEPHERD
SHEPHERD
shep'-erd (ro`eh, ro`i; poimen, "a feeder"):
shep'-erd (ro`eh, ro`i; poimen, "a feeder"):
The sheep owner frequently tends the flocks himself (Genesis 4:4; 30:40; compare Ezekiel 34:12), but more often he delegates the work to his children (Genesis 29:9; 1 Samuel 16:19; 17:15) or relatives (Genesis 31:6).
The sheep owner frequently tends the flocks himself (Genesis 4:4; 30:40; compare Ezekiel 34:12), but more often he delegates the work to his children (Genesis 29:9; 1 Samuel 16:19; 17:15) or relatives (Genesis 31:6).
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
40 And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban’s cattle.
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them.
19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth-lehem.
6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
In such cases the sheep have good care because the keepers have a personal interest in the well-being of the animals, but when they are attended by a hireling (1 Samuel 17:20) the flocks may be neglected or abused (Isaiah 56:10,11; Ezekiel 34:8,10; Zechariah 11:15,17; John 10:12).
In such cases the sheep have good care because the keepers have a personal interest in the well-being of the animals, but when they are attended by a hireling (1 Samuel 17:20) the flocks may be neglected or abused (Isaiah 56:10,11; Ezekiel 34:8,10; Zechariah 11:15,17; John 10:12).
20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, They are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, And they are shepherds that cannot understand: They all look to their own way, Every one for his gain, from his quarter.
8 As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
10 Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
15 And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: His arm shall be clean dried up, And his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
The chief care of the shepherd is to see that the sheep find plenty to eat and drink. The flocks are not fed in pens or folds, but, summer and winter, must depend upon foraging for their sustenance (Psalms 23:2).
The chief care of the shepherd is to see that the sheep find plenty to eat and drink. The flocks are not fed in pens or folds, but, summer and winter, must depend upon foraging for their sustenance (Psalms 23:2).
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
In the winter of 1910-11 an unprecedented storm ravaged Northern Syria.
In the winter of 1910-11 an unprecedented storm ravaged Northern Syria.
It was accompanied by a snowfall of more than 3 ft., which covered the ground for weeks.
It was accompanied by a snowfall of more than 3 ft., which covered the ground for weeks.
During that time, hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats perished, not so much from the cold as from the fact that they could get no food.
During that time, hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats perished, not so much from the cold as from the fact that they could get no food.
Goats hunt out the best feeding-grounds, but sheep are more helpless and have to be led to their food (compare Numbers 27:16,17); nor do they possess the instinct of many other animals for finding their way home (compare Ezekiel 34:6-8).
Goats hunt out the best feeding-grounds, but sheep are more helpless and have to be led to their food (compare Numbers 27:16,17); nor do they possess the instinct of many other animals for finding their way home (compare Ezekiel 34:6-8).
16 Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord;
8 As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
Flocks should be watered at least once a day. Where there are springs or streams this is an easy matter.
Flocks should be watered at least once a day. Where there are springs or streams this is an easy matter.
Frequently the nearest water is hours away.
Frequently the nearest water is hours away.
One needs to travel in the dry places in Syria or Palestine, and then enter the watered valleys like those in Edom where the flocks are constantly being led for water, to appreciate the Psalmist's words, "He leadcth me beside still waters."
One needs to travel in the dry places in Syria or Palestine, and then enter the watered valleys like those in Edom where the flocks are constantly being led for water, to appreciate the Psalmist's words, "He leadcth me beside still waters."
Sometimes water can be obtained by digging shallow wells (Genesis 26:18-22,25,32).
Sometimes water can be obtained by digging shallow wells (Genesis 26:18-22,25,32).
18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
19 And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.
32 And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.
The shepherd frequently carries with him a pail from which the sheep can drink when the water is not accessible to them.
The shepherd frequently carries with him a pail from which the sheep can drink when the water is not accessible to them.
On the mountain tops the melting snows supply the needed water. In other districts it is drawn from deep wells (Genesis 29:2; John 4:6).
On the mountain tops the melting snows supply the needed water. In other districts it is drawn from deep wells (Genesis 29:2; John 4:6).
2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.
6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
The usual time for watering is at noon, at which time the flocks are led to the watering-places (Genesis 29:2,3).
The usual time for watering is at noon, at which time the flocks are led to the watering-places (Genesis 29:2,3).
2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.
3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.
After drinking, the animals lie down or huddle together in the shade of a rock while the shepherd sleeps.
After drinking, the animals lie down or huddle together in the shade of a rock while the shepherd sleeps.
At the first sound of his call, which is usually a peculiar guttural sound, hard to imitate, the flock follow off to new feeding-grounds.
At the first sound of his call, which is usually a peculiar guttural sound, hard to imitate, the flock follow off to new feeding-grounds.
Even should two shepherds call their flocks at the same time and the sheep be intermingled, they never mistake their own master's voice (John 10:3-5).
Even should two shepherds call their flocks at the same time and the sheep be intermingled, they never mistake their own master's voice (John 10:3-5).
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
The shepherd's equipment is a simple one.
The shepherd's equipment is a simple one.
His chief garment is a cloak woven from wool or made from sheepskins.
His chief garment is a cloak woven from wool or made from sheepskins.
This is sleeveless, and so made that it hangs like a cloak on his shoulders.
This is sleeveless, and so made that it hangs like a cloak on his shoulders.
When he sleeps he curls up under it, head and all. During the summer a lighter, short-sleeved `aba or coat is worn.
When he sleeps he curls up under it, head and all. During the summer a lighter, short-sleeved `aba or coat is worn.
He carries a staff or club (see STAFF), and a characteristic attitude is to make a rest for his arms by placing his staff on his shoulders against the back of his neck.
He carries a staff or club (see STAFF), and a characteristic attitude is to make a rest for his arms by placing his staff on his shoulders against the back of his neck.
When an especially productive spot is found, the shepherd may pass the time, while the animals are grazing, by playing on his pipe (Judges 5:16).
When an especially productive spot is found, the shepherd may pass the time, while the animals are grazing, by playing on his pipe (Judges 5:16).
16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, To hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
He sometimes carries a sling (qela`) of goat's hair (1 Samuel 17:40).
He sometimes carries a sling (qela`) of goat's hair (1 Samuel 17:40).
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
His chief belongings are kept in a skin pouch or bag (keli) (1 Samuel 17:40).
His chief belongings are kept in a skin pouch or bag (keli) (1 Samuel 17:40).
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
This bag is usually a whole tawed skin turned wrong side out, with the legs tied up and the neck forming the opening.
This bag is usually a whole tawed skin turned wrong side out, with the legs tied up and the neck forming the opening.
He is usually aided in the keeping and the defending of the sheep by a dog (Job 30:1).
He is usually aided in the keeping and the defending of the sheep by a dog (Job 30:1).
1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, Whose fathers I would have disdained To have set with the dogs of my flock.
In Syria the Kurdish dogs make the best protectors of the sheep, as, unlike the cowardly city dogs, they are fearless and will drive away the wild beasts.
In Syria the Kurdish dogs make the best protectors of the sheep, as, unlike the cowardly city dogs, they are fearless and will drive away the wild beasts.
The shepherd is often called upon to aid the dogs in defending the sheep (Genesis 31:39; 1 Samuel 17:34,35; Isaiah 31:4; Jeremiah 5:6; Amos 3:12).
The shepherd is often called upon to aid the dogs in defending the sheep (Genesis 31:39; 1 Samuel 17:34,35; Isaiah 31:4; Jeremiah 5:6; Amos 3:12).
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
4 For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, When a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, He will not be afraid of their voice, Nor abase himself for the noise of them: So shall the Lord of hosts come down To fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
12 Thus saith the Lord; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; So shall the children of Israel be taken out That dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.
Figurative:
Figurative:
The frequent use of the word "shepherd" to indicate a spiritual overseer is familiar to Bible readers (Psalms 23:1; 80:1; Ecclesiastes 12:11; Isaiah 40:4; 63:14; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:23; 37:24; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
The frequent use of the word "shepherd" to indicate a spiritual overseer is familiar to Bible readers (Psalms 23:1; 80:1; Ecclesiastes 12:11; Isaiah 40:4; 63:14; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:23; 37:24; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, And every mountain and hill shall be made low: And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough places plain:
14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, The Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: So didst thou lead thy people, To make thyself a glorious name.
10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We still use the term "pastor," literally, "a shepherd."
We still use the term "pastor," literally, "a shepherd."
Leaders in temporal affairs were also called shepherds (Genesis 47:17 margin; Isaiah 44:28; 63:11).
Leaders in temporal affairs were also called shepherds (Genesis 47:17 margin; Isaiah 44:28; 63:11).
17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, And shall perform all my pleasure: Even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; And to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
"Sheep without a shepherd" typified individuals or nations who had forgotten Yahweh (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5,8; Zechariah 10:2; Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34).
"Sheep without a shepherd" typified individuals or nations who had forgotten Yahweh (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5,8; Zechariah 10:2; Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34).
17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
8 As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
2 For the idols have spoken vanity, And the diviners have seen a lie, And have told false dreams; They comfort in vain: Therefore they went their way as a flock, They were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Jesus is spoken of as the good shepherd (John 10:14); chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); great shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); the one shepherd (John 10:16).
Jesus is spoken of as the good shepherd (John 10:14); chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); great shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); the one shepherd (John 10:16).
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
"He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young" (Isaiah 40:11) is a picture drawn from pastoral life of Yahweh's care over His children.
"He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young" (Isaiah 40:11) is a picture drawn from pastoral life of Yahweh's care over His children.
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, And carry them in his bosom, And shall gently lead those that are with young.
A strong sympathy for helpless animals, though sometimes misdirected, is a marked characteristic of the people of Bible lands.
A strong sympathy for helpless animals, though sometimes misdirected, is a marked characteristic of the people of Bible lands.
The birth of offspring in a flock often occurs far off on the mountain side.
The birth of offspring in a flock often occurs far off on the mountain side.
The shepherd solicitously guards the mother during her helpless moments and picks up the lamb and carries it to the fold. For the few days, until it is able to walk, he may carry it in his arms or in the loose folds of his coat above his girdle.
The shepherd solicitously guards the mother during her helpless moments and picks up the lamb and carries it to the fold. For the few days, until it is able to walk, he may carry it in his arms or in the loose folds of his coat above his girdle.
LET US BEGIN THE MESSAGE HERE:-
LET US BEGIN THE MESSAGE HERE:-
Sadly, we usually only hear it read at funerals. Many Scriptures allude to the shepherd/sheep analogy to describe God’s relationship with His people.
Sadly, we usually only hear it read at funerals. Many Scriptures allude to the shepherd/sheep analogy to describe God’s relationship with His people.
Prominent shepherds in the Bible include Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Moses, Jethro, and David. Oh, and there’s one more we can’t forget—JESUS! “I am the good shepherd.
Prominent shepherds in the Bible include Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Moses, Jethro, and David. Oh, and there’s one more we can’t forget—JESUS! “I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11).
The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11).
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Psalms 23 starts with a name of God, “The LORD is my Shepherd.”
Psalms 23 starts with a name of God, “The LORD is my Shepherd.”
What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)?
What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)?
The clause “the Lord is my shepherd” comes from one of the most beloved of all passages of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm.
The clause “the Lord is my shepherd” comes from one of the most beloved of all passages of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm.
In this passage and throughout the New Testament we learn that the Lord is our Shepherd in two ways.
In this passage and throughout the New Testament we learn that the Lord is our Shepherd in two ways.
First, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep and,
First, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep and,
second, His sheep know His voice and follow Him (John 10:11, 14).
second, His sheep know His voice and follow Him (John 10:11, 14).
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us.
In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us.
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost.
Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost.
As believers, we tend to do the same thing.
As believers, we tend to do the same thing.
It’s as Isaiah has said: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
It’s as Isaiah has said: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
When sheep go astray, they are in danger of getting lost, being attacked, even killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs.
Likewise, within our own nature there is a strong tendency to go astray (Romans 7:5; 8:8), following the lusts of our flesh and eyes and pursuing the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
When sheep go astray, they are in danger of getting lost, being attacked, even killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs.
Likewise, within our own nature there is a strong tendency to go astray (Romans 7:5; 8:8), following the lusts of our flesh and eyes and pursuing the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
As such, we are like sheep wandering away from the Shepherd through our own futile self-remedies and attempts at self-righteousness. It is our nature to drift away (Hebrews 2:1), to reject God, and to break His commandments.
As such, we are like sheep wandering away from the Shepherd through our own futile self-remedies and attempts at self-righteousness. It is our nature to drift away (Hebrews 2:1), to reject God, and to break His commandments.
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
When we do this, we run the risk of getting lost, even forgetting the way back to God.
When we do this, we run the risk of getting lost, even forgetting the way back to God.
Furthermore, when we turn away from the Lord, we soon find ourselves confronting one enemy after another who will attack us in numerous ways.
Sheep are basically helpless creatures who cannot survive long without a shepherd, upon whose care they are totally dependent.
Furthermore, when we turn away from the Lord, we soon find ourselves confronting one enemy after another who will attack us in numerous ways.
Sheep are basically helpless creatures who cannot survive long without a shepherd, upon whose care they are totally dependent.
Likewise, like sheep, we are totally dependent upon the Lord to shepherd, protect, and care for us.
Likewise, like sheep, we are totally dependent upon the Lord to shepherd, protect, and care for us.
Sheep are essentially dumb animals that do not learn well and are extremely difficult to train.
Sheep are essentially dumb animals that do not learn well and are extremely difficult to train.
They do not have good eyesight, nor do they hear well.
They do not have good eyesight, nor do they hear well.
They are very slow animals who cannot escape predators; they have no camouflage and no weapons for defense such as claws, sharp hooves, or powerful jaws.
Furthermore, sheep are easily frightened and become easily confused.
They are very slow animals who cannot escape predators; they have no camouflage and no weapons for defense such as claws, sharp hooves, or powerful jaws.
Furthermore, sheep are easily frightened and become easily confused.
In fact, they have been known to plunge blindly off a cliff following one after another.
In fact, they have been known to plunge blindly off a cliff following one after another.
Shepherds in Bible times faced incredible dangers in caring for their sheep, putting their own lives at risk by battling wild animals such as wolves and lions who threatened the flock.
Shepherds in Bible times faced incredible dangers in caring for their sheep, putting their own lives at risk by battling wild animals such as wolves and lions who threatened the flock.
David was just such a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34–35).
David was just such a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34–35).
34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
In order to be good shepherds, they had to be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
Jesus declared that He is our Shepherd and demonstrated it by giving His life for us.
In order to be good shepherds, they had to be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
Jesus declared that He is our Shepherd and demonstrated it by giving His life for us.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith (John 3:16).
Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith (John 3:16).
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In proclaiming that He is the good shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep (John 10:15, 17–18).
Like sheep, we, too, need a shepherd.
In proclaiming that He is the good shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep (John 10:15, 17–18).
Like sheep, we, too, need a shepherd.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Men are spiritually blind and lost in their sin.
Men are spiritually blind and lost in their sin.
This is why Jesus spoke of the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4–6).
This is why Jesus spoke of the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4–6).
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. He searches for us when we’re lost, to save us and to show us the way to eternal life (Luke 19:10).
He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. He searches for us when we’re lost, to save us and to show us the way to eternal life (Luke 19:10).
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
We tend to be like sheep, consumed with worry and fear, following after one another.
We tend to be like sheep, consumed with worry and fear, following after one another.
By not following or listening to the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27), we can be easily led astray by others to our own destruction.
By not following or listening to the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27), we can be easily led astray by others to our own destruction.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, warns those who do not believe and listen to Him: “I did tell you, but you do not believe . . . you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, warns those who do not believe and listen to Him: “I did tell you, but you do not believe . . . you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:25–28).
Psalm 23:1–3 tells us that the shepherd meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:25–28).
Psalm 23:1–3 tells us that the shepherd meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
When we as believers follow our Shepherd, we, too, know that we will have all we need.
When we as believers follow our Shepherd, we, too, know that we will have all we need.
We will not lack the necessities of life, for He knows exactly what we need (Luke 12:22–30).
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams.
We will not lack the necessities of life, for He knows exactly what we need (Luke 12:22–30).
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams.
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst.
Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst.
Psalm 23:2 speaks of leading the sheep “beside the quiet [stilled] waters.”
Psalm 23:2 speaks of leading the sheep “beside the quiet [stilled] waters.”
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
The shepherd must lead his sheep because they cannot be driven.
The shepherd must lead his sheep because they cannot be driven.
Instead, the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him—just as we listen to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ—in His Word and follow Him (John 10:3–5, 16, 27).
Instead, the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him—just as we listen to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ—in His Word and follow Him (John 10:3–5, 16, 27).
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And if a sheep does wander off, the shepherd will leave the flock in charge of his helpers and search for the lost animal (Matthew 9:36; 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7).
In Psalm 23:3, the Hebrew word translated “paths” means “well-worn paths or ruts.”
And if a sheep does wander off, the shepherd will leave the flock in charge of his helpers and search for the lost animal (Matthew 9:36; 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7).
In Psalm 23:3, the Hebrew word translated “paths” means “well-worn paths or ruts.”
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
In other words, when sheep wander onto a new path, they start to explore it, which invariably leads them into trouble.
In other words, when sheep wander onto a new path, they start to explore it, which invariably leads them into trouble.
This passage is closely akin to the warning in Hebrews 13:9: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.”
This passage is closely akin to the warning in Hebrews 13:9: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.”
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
The apostle Paul also alludes to this idea in Ephesians 4:14.
Finally, the shepherd cares for the sheep because he loves them and wants to maintain his own good reputation as a faithful shepherd.
The apostle Paul also alludes to this idea in Ephesians 4:14.
Finally, the shepherd cares for the sheep because he loves them and wants to maintain his own good reputation as a faithful shepherd.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
As we’ve seen in Psalm 23, the analogy of the Lord as the Good Shepherd was also applied by Jesus in John chapter 10.
As we’ve seen in Psalm 23, the analogy of the Lord as the Good Shepherd was also applied by Jesus in John chapter 10.
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
In declaring that He is the shepherd of the sheep, Jesus is confirming that He is God.
In declaring that He is the shepherd of the sheep, Jesus is confirming that He is God.
The Eternal God is our Shepherd. And we would not want it any other way.
The Eternal God is our Shepherd. And we would not want it any other way.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
LET US CONTINUE THE MESSAGE
LET US CONTINUE THE MESSAGE
Notice it’s in all caps. In Hebrew, it’s YHWH. In English, we say Jehovah or Yahweh.
Notice it’s in all caps. In Hebrew, it’s YHWH. In English, we say Jehovah or Yahweh.
This is rendered LORD thousands of times in the Old Testament.
This is rendered LORD thousands of times in the Old Testament.
Jews believed the name of God was too sacred to be spoken.
Jews believed the name of God was too sacred to be spoken.
So, they put it in a form that cannot be pronounced.
So, they put it in a form that cannot be pronounced.
When they wrote it, they removed the vowels (YHWH).
When they wrote it, they removed the vowels (YHWH).
Jehovah or Yahweh means the self-existent, eternal One!
Jehovah or Yahweh means the self-existent, eternal One!
There’s a big difference between a lord and a savior.
There’s a big difference between a lord and a savior.
Most people want a savior to rescue them from hell, but few want a lord to change their lifestyle.
Most people want a savior to rescue them from hell, but few want a lord to change their lifestyle.
A lord is “a person who has authority, control, or power over others, a master, chief, or ruler.”
A lord is “a person who has authority, control, or power over others, a master, chief, or ruler.”
If the Lord truly is our Shepherd, then we must yield to His Lordship to stay under His canopy of blessing.
If the Lord truly is our Shepherd, then we must yield to His Lordship to stay under His canopy of blessing.
By nature, sheep are helpless creatures. They are totally reliant on a shepherd to lead them to clean water, green pastures, and protect them from predators.
By nature, sheep are helpless creatures. They are totally reliant on a shepherd to lead them to clean water, green pastures, and protect them from predators.
They don’t have claws or fangs to defend themselves plus they run clumsily.
They don’t have claws or fangs to defend themselves plus they run clumsily.
Sheep provide the perfect analogy of how much we need God (Ps. 95:7, 100:3).
Sheep provide the perfect analogy of how much we need God (Ps. 95:7, 100:3).
7 For he is our God; And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Consider seven benefits we as sheep receive from our heavenly Shepherd:
Consider seven benefits we as sheep receive from our heavenly Shepherd:
A. Provision—I shall not want (lack).
A. Provision—I shall not want (lack).
This reveals another name of God—Jehovah-Jireh—the Lord my Provider.
This reveals another name of God—Jehovah-Jireh—the Lord my Provider.
He won’t finance all our wants, but He promised to supply all our needs! (Phil. 4:19)
He won’t finance all our wants, but He promised to supply all our needs! (Phil. 4:19)
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
B. Direction — He leads me beside the still waters. He leads me in paths of righteousness. Sheep must be led, or they will wander into trouble.
B. Direction — He leads me beside the still waters. He leads me in paths of righteousness. Sheep must be led, or they will wander into trouble.
Sheep need to drink from still waters.
Sheep need to drink from still waters.
Swift currents are dangerous because, when their fleece absorbs water, sheep become top heavy and can get swept off their feet and drown.
Swift currents are dangerous because, when their fleece absorbs water, sheep become top heavy and can get swept off their feet and drown.
God gives us clear direction by the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth (Jn. 16:13).
God gives us clear direction by the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth (Jn. 16:13).
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
C• Restoration — He restores my soul.
C• Restoration — He restores my soul.
The Hebrew word translated “restores” here means “to turn back, to retreat, withdraw, refresh, or recover.”
The Hebrew word translated “restores” here means “to turn back, to retreat, withdraw, refresh, or recover.”
We are not designed to go wide open all the time. Sometimes, we need to step back, rest, and be refreshed in His presence. Restoration comes by spending time with the Shepherd.
We are not designed to go wide open all the time. Sometimes, we need to step back, rest, and be refreshed in His presence. Restoration comes by spending time with the Shepherd.
D• Protection — I will fear no evil: for You are with me.
D• Protection — I will fear no evil: for You are with me.
This describes a hedge of divine protection. Jesus declared, “I am the door” (Jn. 10:9).
This describes a hedge of divine protection. Jesus declared, “I am the door” (Jn. 10:9).
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
In Bible times, a sheepfold was just a simple stone enclosure with an opening.
In Bible times, a sheepfold was just a simple stone enclosure with an opening.
At night, the shepherd laid down in the opening and served as a human door.
At night, the shepherd laid down in the opening and served as a human door.
No wolf could get in unless it climbed over him and no sheep could get out unless it climbed over him.
No wolf could get in unless it climbed over him and no sheep could get out unless it climbed over him.
Jesus is our Shepherd/Door who keeps us safely in His fold.
Jesus is our Shepherd/Door who keeps us safely in His fold.
E• Correction — Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
E• Correction — Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
The staff was a walking stick with a crook used to retrieve wayward lambs.
The staff was a walking stick with a crook used to retrieve wayward lambs.
The rod was a club used to fend off predators.
The rod was a club used to fend off predators.
If a sheep strayed habitually, the club might be used to break its leg for its own good.
If a sheep strayed habitually, the club might be used to break its leg for its own good.
Then the shepherd would carry that sheep and nurse it back to health.
Then the shepherd would carry that sheep and nurse it back to health.
A problem in church and society is few accept correction without getting offended.
A problem in church and society is few accept correction without getting offended.
Correction is a vital part of spiritual growth (Heb. 12:5-11).
Correction is a vital part of spiritual growth (Heb. 12:5-11).
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
F• Prevention — You anoint my head with oil.
F• Prevention — You anoint my head with oil.
Shepherds anointed sheep’s heads with oil for two reasons:
Shepherds anointed sheep’s heads with oil for two reasons:
1. to prevent sunstroke
1. to prevent sunstroke
2. to prevent parasites.
2. to prevent parasites.
The oil ran into the crevices around the sheep’s ears, eyes, and nose to repel flies, fleas, and other parasites that could make it sick and even die.
The oil ran into the crevices around the sheep’s ears, eyes, and nose to repel flies, fleas, and other parasites that could make it sick and even die.
The Holy Spirit’s anointing keeps us from being scorched by tribulation and repels negative and demonic influences that try to attack us.
G• Abundance — My cup runs over.
The Holy Spirit’s anointing keeps us from being scorched by tribulation and repels negative and demonic influences that try to attack us.
G• Abundance — My cup runs over.
If we stay close the Shepherd, He will bless us abundantly.
If we stay close the Shepherd, He will bless us abundantly.
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32).
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32).
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
He is El Shaddi—“the all-sufficient one.”
He is El Shaddi—“the all-sufficient one.”
He’s not the God of barely enough; He’s the God who is more than enough!
He’s not the God of barely enough; He’s the God who is more than enough!
The Shepherd can turn your shortage into a surplus.
The Shepherd can turn your shortage into a surplus.
Take time to re-read the 23rd Psalm and let the Shepherd speak to you for Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.”
Take time to re-read the 23rd Psalm and let the Shepherd speak to you for Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.”