What other Bible verses describe God as a shepherd to His people? Isaiah 40:11 – The Verse That Sets the Tone “He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads the nursing ewes.” Shepherd Threads in the Law and the Writings • Genesis 49:24 — “…by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel—” • Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” • Psalm 78:52 — “He led out His people like sheep, and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.” • Psalm 80:1 — “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.” • Ecclesiastes 12:11 — “…firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd.” Prophetic Echoes of the Shepherd • Jeremiah 31:10 — “‘The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.’” • Ezekiel 34:11 - 15 — “I Myself will search for My sheep… I Myself will tend My flock and make them lie down.” • Ezekiel 34:23 — “I will place over them one Shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them.” • Micah 7:14 — “Shepherd Your people with Your staff, the flock of Your inheritance.” • Zechariah 9:16 — “The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people.” Shepherd Fulfilled in Christ • John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • John 10:14 — “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” • Hebrews 13:20 — “…our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep…” • 1 Peter 2:25 — “…you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” • Revelation 7:17 — “For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water…” Why the Shepherd Image Matters Today • Protection — The same God who literally led Israel through the wilderness ensures safety for all who trust Him. • Provision — Sheep “shall not want” because the Shepherd provides pasture, water, and rest. • Relationship — He gathers lambs in His arms; Jesus knows His sheep by name. • Restoration — Scattered sheep are sought, found, and carried home. • Future Hope — The Lamb-Shepherd will wipe away every tear, guiding His flock into eternal life. Scripture’s shepherd motif runs unbroken from Genesis to Revelation, underscoring God’s personal, hands-on care for His people—care we can depend on, because every word He speaks is true. |
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