Shepherd
Summary
One who tends sheep, a fundamental occupation in biblical times that became Scripture's primary image for leadership—both human and divine—culminating in Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
☩The Shepherd's Work
The shepherd's chief care was to ensure the sheep found adequate food and water, leading them to pasture since sheep cannot forage like goats. He counted them morning and evening, called them by name, and went before them while they followed his voice. David described the shepherd's dangers—defending against lions and bears, searching for straying sheep, and carrying lambs unable to keep pace. Shepherds lived with their flocks, often sleeping in the sheepfold's entrance as a human door, ready to protect against predators and thieves.
☩God as Shepherd of Israel
Scripture repeatedly depicts God as the Shepherd of His people. He led Israel through the wilderness, made them lie down in green pastures, led them beside still waters, and restored their souls. The prophets developed this imagery extensively: God searches for scattered sheep, gathers them from all lands, binds up the injured, and strengthens the weak. When human shepherds fail, God promises to Himself become their Shepherd and raise up one Shepherd, His Servant David, over them.
☩Jesus the Good Shepherd
Jesus explicitly identified Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the prophecies of a coming Shepherd-Messiah. Unlike hirelings who flee when wolves come, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He knows His sheep and they know Him; other sheep not of this fold He must also bring, that there may be one flock and one Shepherd. As the Great Shepherd of the sheep, He was brought again from the dead through the blood of the eternal covenant.
☩Leaders as Shepherds
Human leaders are called shepherds who tend God's flock. Prophets condemned shepherds who fed themselves instead of the sheep, who scattered the flock and drove them away. Church elders are charged to shepherd the flock of God, serving as overseers willingly, not for shameful gain, not domineering but as examples. When the Chief Shepherd appears, faithful under-shepherds will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Related Verses97 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shepherd," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shepherd," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Shepherd," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shepherd," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).