The Bible Shepherd, Part I

As Christians, we know Jesus as a Shepherd—someone who herds and takes care of sheep for a living. But did you know that there are many characters in the Bible who were literal shepherds? Some even include Jesus’ own ancestors! Let’s take a dive into the definition of a shepherd, and then we’ll study the spiritual side of one. Finally, we’ll list known shepherds in the Bible, both literal and spiritual, in two parts!

What Is a Shepherd and What Does He/She Do?

A shepherd is defined as someone who manages a herd of sheep during the year. The shepherd protects, provides, and comforts the sheep. Whether from storms, predators, or even the sheep themselves—the shepherd is there through it all. To become a shepherd, you must be willing to watch over the sheep even if it means your life. You must be brave, strong, and determined to save. You must be loyal, smart, wise, compassionate, and patient (emphasis on the patient!) You must clean, heal, and encourage the sheep when they go through mud, fights, or feelings of sadness.

Do these characteristics sound familiar? They should, because they all point to Jesus! Because Jesus is God, He is the Lord. We all know the well-known scripture that “The Lord is my Shepherd…” (Psalm 23:1). This entire passage describes the role of the shepherd as protector, provider, and comforter. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-16) and He is the final draft, the perfect completion, of a True Shepherd. And He constantly wants his children protected and loved by other shepherds who can imitate his way at all times (Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 10:21).

 What Other Shepherds Are There?

      Now, before we have the final draft, we have rough drafts. But in this case, the previous shepherds that (chronologically) came before Jesus were anything but rough. In fact, the identification of them as literal shepherds is a hint to what type of heart is one that trusts in God and does His will. Everyone mentioned in the Bible as a shepherd becomes vital to a major part of Israel’s history through obedience, faith, and love.

For this study there will be two parts to define two type of shepherds found in the Bible—literal and spiritual. The literal shepherds are persons named “keeper of sheep” or “herdsmen” or just “shepherds”. Though they are literal, their roles as shepherds are no less important to the Bible story. Spiritual shepherds are the leaders of the Church who are tasked with guiding, supporting, and encouraging God’s people back to Him. They have a responsibility to look out for their fellow brothers and sisters, and to remind them of God’s unyielding love and mercy.

PART ONE: LITERAL SHEPHERDS

     The first literal shepherd named in the Bible is Abel, the second ever son born to Adam and Eve (and the fourth person to ever exist!). Abel is identified as a keeper of sheep (Genesis 4:2), and because he was faithful in his offering to God, he got favor.

      The second shepherd named is—and this might be surprising—Rachel! The daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother to the Tribes of Israel, was introduced as a shepherdess (Genesis 29:9). Her being mentioned as a shepherdess is vital to the Bible Story because, technically, she is the first shepherd in the lineage of Jesus Christ! With her story, we are given a foreshadowing as to who Jesus will be for all the people of the world.

     The next shepherd is Jacob, aka Israel. He takes after his wife in field work and goes on to become father to the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Genesis 29:31). It’s important to know Jacob as a shepherd, because his role as patriarch means that he will also guide and teach others to live for God. Jacob’s role also reflects the covenant that God makes with his forefathers (Genesis 12:1-3; 26:3-5).

     The next few shepherds are no surprise—the Twelve Sons of Jacob, otherwise known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel. In Genesis 37:2, we are introduced to Joseph, who with his brothers, tends the sheep. Having all 12 sons as shepherds shows how God plans to have His people live. The Twelve Tribes are later given laws and commandments, and they must all pick leaders of their tribe to represent them (Numbers 7).

For Joseph, his role as shepherd is clear when he becomes second to Pharaoh and leads not only Israel, but the Egyptians. This is a nod to how Jesus will be shepherd of both Israel and the Gentiles. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved, and we are all considered God’s children. So Joseph being provider, protector, and comforter to both people is a wonderful nod to the love and mercy God is willing to give to anybody, not just specific persons.

The next shepherd is Moses (Exodus 3:1). Moses as a shepherd is heavy foreshadowing to the grand task of bringing Israel out of Egypt and going on to be the bridge between people and God (Exodus 19). Moses becomes a respected and loving leader to the children of Israel, displaying the same traits as a real shepherd and Jesus. Again, Moses is one of the many steppingstones to understanding a shepherd as a deliverer, which is also what his name means! (Ex. 2:10).

Our next shepherd is David, who would go on to become king. At first, David is unassuming to be king, because of his role as shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11). But the Shepherd-King is exactly what Israel needs during this time. David as shepherd, was protector and praiser. He said himself that he had to kill a lion and bear only on the strength of God (1 Sam. 17:36). That faith he had kept him through many trials, not the least including his battle with Goliath! Faith in God, and praising God is what kept David alive and willing to live for God. His role as Shepherd-King set the blueprint for Israel’s desperate need for guidance and authority, a perfect balance. And that culminated in Jesus.

Our final literal shepherd is the prophet, Amos. Amos was, like all prophets, called out of his normal life into a life of testifying for God (Amos 1:1; 7:14). Amos’ calls of redemption and warnings of judgment are a perfect symbol of being a shepherd. It’s the real shepherd that warns the sheep, and helps them take another path when the path they’re on leads to destruction. Amos’ role is no different than the other prophets. But because he is known for being a shepherd first, we can conclude that his prophetic lifestyle was rooted in redemption, deliverance, and restoration!

The next blog will focus on the spiritual shepherds but go and study more of our literal shepherds from today. Maybe you’ll find more ways that they contributed to Jesus and the Bible Story!

And remember, your Shepherd is the Perfect One. He is ready to provide, protect, redeem, and love. All you have to do is trust in Him!

-Sherry Amor