Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SHEPHERD

Sheep and goats were the most important domestic animals in the biblical world, and the Bible contains numerous literal and figurative references to these animals — and to those who cared for them. The earliest biblical shepherd was Abel, “a keeper of sheep” (Gen. 4:2). Many people in Hebrew history spent part of their lives as pastoralists (e.g., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rachel and their sons, Moses, and David). In the OT the shepherd’s status ranged from that of a lowly herdsman (cf. Amos 7:14-15) to a master breeder of sheep (cf. 2 Kgs. 3:4). In fact, the Bible contrasts David’s pastoral and royal careers (2 Sam. 7:8; cf. Ps. 78:70-71). Naturally, nomadic peoples like the Amalekites and Midianites engaged in pastoral activities, but many sedentary farmers also tended flocks or hired shepherds to work for them.

Shepherds spent most of their time in the monotonous work of guarding their flocks. Sheep and goats require constant care, since they are practically defenseless (Ezek. 34:5-6; Matt. 7:15; 18:12). Sheep are submissive (Isa. 53:7; Jer. 11:19) and trust the shepherd (John 10:3-5). Because shepherds had to locate food and water for their flocks, they often ranged far from home and endured numerous hardships (Gen. 31:40; Isa. 38:12; Cant. 1:8). The shepherd guarded against thieves (Gen. 31:39; John 10:1, 8, 10), but the greatest threat came from wild animals, e.g., lions, bears, and wolves (1 Sam. 17:34-35; Isa. 31:4; Amos 3:12; Mic. 5:8; John 10:12).

Sheep are highly gregarious, and the shepherd had to watch for strays and count the animals as they returned to the fold at night (Lev. 27:32; Jer. 33:13; Ezek. 20:37). The shepherd was responsible to find any lost sheep (Ezek. 34:11-12; Matt. 18:11-14). Expectant ewes, newborn lambs, and sick animals received special attention (Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34:16). The shepherd’s work was accomplished with simple equipment — a heavy cloak (cf. Jer. 43:12), a rod and staff (Ps. 23:4), a bag for food, and a sling (1 Sam. 17:40). Even in antiquity, shepherds used dogs to help manage sheep (Job 30:1).

Ancient authors, including the Bible’s writers, made extensive use of shepherd imagery. Biblical passages frequently use the customs of shepherds to illustrate spiritual principles (e.g., Num. 27:16-17; Eccl. 12:11; Matt. 9:36; Mark 6:34; John 21:15-17). Ancient peoples also illustrated the sovereignty of their deities by referring to them as shepherds (cf. Gen. 48:15; 49:24); the Hebrew writer thought of Yahweh in this way, as seen most clearly in Ps. 23; Ezek. 34 and in many other psalms and prophetic utterances.

Other ancient Near Eastern literature refers to kings and princes as shepherds (cf. Nah. 3:18), but the OT normally applies this title to political leaders in a negative way. Since God was the true shepherd of Israel, human rulers often fell short of God’s standards and were condemned for their stupidity and mismanagement (e.g., Jer. 10:21; 22:22; 23:1-4; 25:34-38; Ezek. 34:1-10; Zech. 10:3; 11:4-17). David, however, was a shepherd who ruled with an “upright heart” and a “skillful hand” (Ps. 78:70-72), and Isaiah refers to Cyrus as God’s shepherd (Isa. 44:28). Jeremiah (Jer. 3:15; 23:4) promised that God would raise up new shepherds; this pledge eventually took on messianic significance (Ezek. 34:23; 37:22, 24). It was held that God’s shepherd would come from Davidic lineage and would suffer on behalf of the sheep (Zech. 13:7; cf. 12:10).

Surprisingly, the only literal reference to shepherds in the NT is found in Luke 2:8-20; elsewhere they appear in parables and figures of speech, most often in the Gospels. Jesus claims that his mission is “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:6; 15:24). He also tells a famous parable about lost sheep (Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7) and compares the shepherd’s separation of sheep and goats to judgment (Matt. 25:32-33). In a well-known allegory, Jesus refers to himself as the “good shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:1-29).

Outside of the Gospels, Jesus is called “the great shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20), “the shepherd and guardian of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25), and “the chief shepherd” (5:4). In his warning about “fierce wolves” (i.e., false teachers), Paul tells the Ephesian elders to oversee and care for the flock — i.e., “the church of God” (Acts 20:28-30). This role is included in the English word “pastor,” the normal translation in Eph. 4:11, but Gk. poimḗn in this verse is usually rendered “shepherd” (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

Gerald L. Mattingly

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SHEPHERD

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)