In biblical times, sheepfolds were enclosures used to protect sheep, particularly during the night. These structures were essential for the livelihood of shepherds and their flocks, providing safety from predators and thieves. Sheepfolds are often mentioned in the Bible as metaphors for spiritual truths, illustrating the relationship between God, His people, and their leaders.

The construction of a sheepfold typically involved stone walls or thorny hedges, with a single entrance guarded by a shepherd. This imagery is vividly depicted in John 10:1-2 , where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep." Here, Jesus uses the concept of a sheepfold to describe His role as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His legitimate authority and care for His followers.

Sheepfolds also symbolize the community of believers, with Christ as the gate through which they enter into safety and fellowship. In John 10:9 , Jesus declares, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." This passage highlights the security and provision found in Christ, as well as the freedom and sustenance He offers to His flock.

Throughout the Old Testament, sheepfolds are mentioned in various contexts, often in relation to pastoral life. For instance, in 1 Samuel 24:3 , David finds refuge in the sheepfolds of the wilderness while fleeing from King Saul. This setting underscores the humble and rugged nature of shepherd life, as well as the protection and solitude provided by these enclosures.

Cities

Cities in the Bible are significant both as physical locations and as symbols of human civilization, culture, and spiritual states. They serve as settings for many biblical narratives and are often associated with the rise and fall of nations, the spread of the Gospel, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The first city mentioned in the Bible is Enoch, built by Cain after he was banished for murdering Abel (Genesis 4:17). This city represents the beginning of urbanization and human society's complex development. Throughout the Old Testament, cities such as Babylon, Nineveh, and Jerusalem play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's purposes. Babylon, for instance, is often depicted as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God, as seen in the account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).

Jerusalem holds a unique place in biblical history as the city chosen by God for His dwelling place and the center of Jewish worship. It is the site of the Temple, the royal city of King David, and the focal point of prophetic visions concerning the Messiah and the end times. In Psalm 122:3-4 , Jerusalem is described as "a city built together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD."

In the New Testament, cities are central to the spread of Christianity. The Apostle Paul and other early missionaries traveled extensively to urban centers such as Antioch, Corinth, and Ephesus, where they established churches and preached the Gospel. These cities became hubs of Christian activity and growth, reflecting the strategic importance of urban areas in God's plan for evangelism.

The Bible concludes with a vision of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city that represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Revelation 21:2 describes it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This city symbolizes the eternal dwelling place of God with His people, a place of perfect peace, righteousness, and communion with the Creator.