Shepherd: Moses
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is often associated with the role of a shepherd, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. His life and leadership exemplify the qualities of a shepherd, guiding and caring for the flock entrusted to him by God.

Early Life and Calling

Moses was born to Hebrew parents during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Rescued from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter, he was raised in the Egyptian royal household. Despite his privileged upbringing, Moses retained a deep connection to his Hebrew roots. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian, where he became a shepherd for Jethro, the priest of Midian, and married his daughter Zipporah (Exodus 2:11-21).

It was during his time as a shepherd in Midian that Moses encountered God in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb. God called Moses to lead His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. This divine encounter marked the beginning of Moses' role as a spiritual shepherd to the nation of Israel (Exodus 3:1-10).

Leadership and Guidance

Moses' leadership is characterized by his unwavering commitment to God's commands and his compassionate care for the Israelites. As a shepherd, he led the people through the wilderness, providing guidance, instruction, and intercession. His role as a mediator between God and the Israelites is evident in his frequent communication with God on their behalf, especially during times of rebellion and disobedience (Exodus 32:11-14).

Moses' shepherd-like qualities are further highlighted in his patience and perseverance. Despite the Israelites' frequent complaints and lack of faith, Moses remained steadfast in his mission. He provided them with God's laws and instructions, which were essential for their spiritual and communal life. The giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai is a pivotal moment in Moses' leadership, establishing a covenantal relationship between God and His people (Exodus 20:1-17).

Symbolism and Legacy

The image of Moses as a shepherd is rich with symbolism. Just as a shepherd tends to his flock, ensuring their safety and well-being, Moses cared for the Israelites, guiding them through the trials of the wilderness. His leadership foreshadows the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would later come to lead and redeem God's people.

Moses' legacy as a shepherd is also evident in his role as a prophet and lawgiver. He is credited with writing the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, which lay the foundation for Israel's faith and practice. His life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for believers.

Biblical References

· Exodus 2:11-21: Moses' early life and flight to Midian.
· Exodus 3:1-10: God's call to Moses at the burning bush.
· Exodus 32:11-14: Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
· Exodus 20:1-17: The giving of the Ten Commandments.

Moses' role as a shepherd is a testament to his faithfulness and dedication to God's purposes. His life serves as a powerful example of leadership, obedience, and devotion to God's will.
Nave's Topical Index
Exodus 3:1
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... So from being a prince in the king's palace in Egypt, Moses became a shepherd
in the wilderness of Midian. ... But Moses did not remain a shepherd. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
... Again: Moses, amid his sheep, saw the vision of God and was told of God's adorable
Name; and Christ, the true Shepherd, lived a life of contemplation in the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvi the shepherd of.htm

Moses Rightly Called a Divine Legislator, And, Though Inferior to ...
... the Scriptures themselves, we may, with the most assured persuasion, pronounce Moses
to be truly wise. As then we say that it belongs to the shepherd's art to ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvi moses rightly called a.htm

The Call of Moses
... Moses had been brought us with all the luxuries that Egypt could give him, and now
he was a shepherd, and in the sight of the Egyptians a shepherd was an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/ii the call of moses.htm

The Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Of the Shepherd, and the ...
... To this end serveth That Shepherd, for to make of two flocks One ... would be some in
His Church who would say and not do; but, in the person of Moses He designated ...
/.../sermon lxxxvii the tenth chapter.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... the hands of the mighty God of Jacob"from thence, from the Shepherd, the stone ... the
present, but only discern Him when He has passed by, like Moses from his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

The Good Shepherd.
... people, the Pharisees and Sanhedrists, the men "who sat in Moses' seat," and ... he changes
the application and declares himself the good shepherd whose praises ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm

Moses.
... She took the little boy to the palace and named him Moses, and he became a ... them;
but at last he was obliged to leave Egypt, and became a shepherd, taking care ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... Moses the great and wise shepherd, who knew how to lead back the flock, taught Joshua
the son of Nun, a man full of the spirit, who (afterwards) led the flock ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

The Shepherd and the Fold
... THE SHEPHERD AND THE FOLD. '... Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy
habitation.' EXODUS XV.13. What a grand triumphal ode! The picture of Moses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd and the fold.htm

Resources
What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the good Shepherd?” | GotQuestions.org

How is Jesus the “True Shepherd” in John 10:1-5? | GotQuestions.org

Shepherd: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Shepherd

Shepherd of Christ

Shepherd of God's Care

Shepherd of Prophets, Priests, Levites, and Civil Authorities

Shepherd was an Abomination to the Egyptians

Shepherd: A Name Given to Cyrus

Shepherd: A Name Given to Jesus

Shepherd: Abel

Shepherd: Angels Appeared To

Shepherd: Causes the Flock to Rest

Shepherd: Counts the Flock

Shepherd: David

Shepherd: David The, Defends his Flock Against a Lion and a Bear

Shepherd: Dogs of

Shepherd: Figurative

Shepherd: Keeps the Flocks in Folds

Shepherd: Keeps the Sheep and Goats Apart

Shepherd: Knows Each One of his Flock by Name

Shepherd: Moses

Shepherd: One Who Cares for Flocks of Sheep

Shepherd: Rachel

Shepherd: The Daughters of Jethro

Shepherd: Watch Towers of

Shepherd: Waters the Flocks

Related Terms

Shepherd's (3 Occurrences)

Flock (242 Occurrences)

Tending (11 Occurrences)

Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)

Tend (24 Occurrences)

Teaching (372 Occurrences)

Teacher (103 Occurrences)

Abel (22 Occurrences)

Abroad (120 Occurrences)

Sheep (413 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Scepter (28 Occurrences)

Songs (100 Occurrences)

Egypt (596 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Zoan (7 Occurrences)

Offended (26 Occurrences)

Jungle (4 Occurrences)

Jordan's (4 Occurrences)

Lays (30 Occurrences)

Layeth (76 Occurrences)

Giveth (378 Occurrences)

Felt (40 Occurrences)

Tonight (23 Occurrences)

Tended (7 Occurrences)

Ruling (123 Occurrences)

Directions (100 Occurrences)

Moved (316 Occurrences)

Princely (5 Occurrences)

Pastureland (6 Occurrences)

Challenge (6 Occurrences)

Separateth (15 Occurrences)

Smite (230 Occurrences)

Sheepcote (2 Occurrences)

Sceptre (20 Occurrences)

Shepherded (2 Occurrences)

Stumbled (47 Occurrences)

Scrip (7 Occurrences)

Teach (172 Occurrences)

Written (323 Occurrences)

Stumble (89 Occurrences)

Suck (22 Occurrences)

Shepherds (55 Occurrences)

Bag (52 Occurrences)

Song (207 Occurrences)

Instant (19 Occurrences)

Chase (14 Occurrences)

Enduring (25 Occurrences)

Assign (22 Occurrences)

Swelling (14 Occurrences)

Age (404 Occurrences)

Fed (62 Occurrences)

Pity (165 Occurrences)

Micah (54 Occurrences)

Cain (18 Occurrences)

Fold (23 Occurrences)

Compassion (145 Occurrences)

David (1052 Occurrences)

Lack (86 Occurrences)

Governors (43 Occurrences)

Bishop (4 Occurrences)

Baptism (76 Occurrences)

Strike (168 Occurrences)

Door (249 Occurrences)

Military (44 Occurrences)

Heed (223 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Moses (9295 Occurrences)

Psalm (213 Occurrences)

Quotations

Habitation (90 Occurrences)

Masters (59 Occurrences)

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)

Leaves (55 Occurrences)

Antediluvian

Cyrus (20 Occurrences)

Staff (91 Occurrences)

Suddenly (87 Occurrences)

Shepherd: Knows Each One of his Flock by Name
Top of Page
Top of Page