Topical Encyclopedia Sheep tending, also known as shepherding, is a significant occupation and metaphor throughout the Bible, reflecting both the pastoral lifestyle of ancient Near Eastern cultures and the spiritual relationship between God and His people. The role of a shepherd is multifaceted, involving guidance, protection, provision, and care for the flock. This imagery is deeply embedded in biblical narratives and teachings, symbolizing leadership, responsibility, and divine care.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, sheep tending was a common occupation among the patriarchs and Israelites. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is noted as a keeper of sheep (Genesis 4:2). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all involved in pastoral activities, with large flocks signifying wealth and blessing. Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold." Moses spent forty years tending the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro in the land of Midian before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1). David, the shepherd boy who became king, is perhaps the most famous biblical shepherd. His experience in tending sheep is seen as preparation for his role as the shepherd of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). The responsibilities of a shepherd included leading the flock to pasture and water, protecting them from predators, and caring for the sick and injured. The shepherd's tools, such as the rod and staff, are mentioned in Psalm 23:4: "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Prophetic and Poetic Imagery Sheep and shepherd imagery is prevalent in the prophetic and poetic books of the Old Testament. The prophets often used this metaphor to describe the relationship between God and Israel. Isaiah 40:11 portrays God as a compassionate shepherd: "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart." Ezekiel 34 presents a powerful critique of Israel's leaders, who are likened to shepherds failing to care for their flock. God promises to be the true shepherd who will seek out and rescue His sheep: "I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out" (Ezekiel 34:11). New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and expectations. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This statement highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission and His deep care for His followers. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7 illustrates God's relentless pursuit of sinners, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Similarly, in Matthew 25:31-46, the final judgment is depicted with the separation of sheep and goats, symbolizing the righteous and the unrighteous. The apostle Peter exhorts church leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly, serving as examples to the believers (1 Peter 5:2-3). This instruction underscores the ongoing importance of shepherding as a model for Christian leadership. Spiritual Significance Sheep tending in the Bible serves as a profound metaphor for spiritual truths. Believers are often likened to sheep, dependent on the guidance and care of the Good Shepherd. Psalm 100:3 reminds us, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." The imagery of sheep and shepherds continues to resonate with Christians, symbolizing the intimate and protective relationship between Christ and His followers. The shepherd's role as a caretaker and guide reflects the pastoral care expected of church leaders and the nurturing community within the body of Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Sheep TendingSHEEP TENDING ten'-ding: The Scriptural allusions to pastoral life and the similes drawn from that life are the most familiar and revered in the Bible. Among the first verses that a child learns is "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not wants" (Psalm 23:1 the King James Version, the English Revised Version). What follower of the Master does not love to dwell on the words of the "Good Shepherd" chapter in the Gospel of John (John 10)? Jesus must have drawn a sympathetic response when He referred to the relationship of sheep to shepherd, a relationship familiar to all His hearers and doubtless shared by some of them with their flocks. As a rule the modern traveler in the Holy Land meets with disappointment if he comes expecting to see things as they were depicted in the Bible. An exception to this is the pastoral life, which has not changed one what since Abraham and his descendants fed their flocks on the rich plateaus East of the Jordan or on the mountains of Palestine and Syria. One may count among his most prized experiences the days and nights spent under the spell of Syrian shepherd life. Greek 4165. poimaino -- to act as a shepherd ... Word Origin from poimen Definition to act as a shepherd NASB Word Usage caring (1), rule (3), shepherd (5), tending sheep (1), tends (1). to shepherd, rule. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4165.htm - 8k Library Demonstration x. --Of Pastors. To Eusebius, Bishop of Persian Armenia. Love and Service. November the Fourteenth the Purification of Love The Story of David Preparation for Revival The Divine Shepherd The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River The Exercises Suited to a Good Life. And when Evening Came, Jesus Went Forth Outside of the City... Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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