The term "shepherded" in the biblical context refers to the act of guiding, protecting, and caring for a flock, often used metaphorically to describe God's relationship with His people or the leadership role of spiritual leaders. The imagery of a shepherd is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of the ancient Near East, where shepherds were responsible for the well-being of their sheep, leading them to pastures, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their overall safety and health.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the role of a shepherd is frequently used to describe God's care for Israel. One of the most well-known passages is Psalm 23, where David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This psalm portrays God as the ultimate shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people, leading them to green pastures and still waters, restoring their souls, and guiding them in paths of righteousness.

The prophets also use the shepherd metaphor to describe the leaders of Israel. In Ezekiel 34, God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their failure to care for the flock, stating, "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?" (Ezekiel 34:2). God promises to take over the role of shepherd, seeking out His sheep and rescuing them from all the places they have been scattered.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11). This declaration emphasizes His sacrificial love and commitment to the well-being of His followers. Jesus contrasts Himself with hired hands who abandon the sheep at the sight of danger, highlighting His unique role as the true shepherd who knows His sheep intimately and is known by them.

The apostle Peter also uses the shepherd imagery to describe the role of church leaders. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, he exhorts the elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God's will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3). This passage underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to care for and guide the church with humility and integrity.

Theological Significance

The concept of being shepherded carries profound theological significance, illustrating the intimate and caring relationship between God and His people. It reflects God's providence, guidance, and protection, assuring believers of His constant presence and care. The shepherd metaphor also serves as a model for spiritual leadership, emphasizing the importance of selfless service, guidance, and protection of the community of faith.

Throughout Scripture, the imagery of shepherding conveys a message of hope and assurance, reminding believers of God's unwavering commitment to their well-being and His ultimate authority as the Shepherd of their souls.(imp. & p. p.) of Shepherd.752. archisunagogos -- ruler of a synagogue
... [Note the parallel with government in the NT. Like the ancient Jewish , a local
NT church needs to be shepherded by a ("plurality") . See 4245 ("elder").]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/752.htm - 8k7462a. raah -- to pasture, tend, graze
... 1), pasture (12), pastured (2), pastures (2), pasturing (5), rulers (1), shaved
(1), Shepherd (5), shepherd (34), shepherd's (1), shepherded (1), shepherdess (1 ...
/hebrew/7462a.htm - 6k

And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil
... her writing, of all that He did with Abraham and all His temptations of Isaac and
all that befell Jacob in Mesopotania of Syria while he shepherded the flocks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xix and bring us.htm

Ci. To the Deaconess Celarina.
... On this account the very godly bishops have left the churches shepherded by them,
have disregarded the inclemency of winter, and endured the labours of their ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ci to the deaconess celarina.htm

Of Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata, and Others.
... But the sheep, all shepherdless as they were, shepherded themselves, and
persistently preserved the apostolic doctrine in all its purity. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xiii of eusebius bishop of.htm

Shepherded (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Shepherd. Multi-Version Concordance
Shepherded (2 Occurrences). Genesis 48:15 And he blessed ...
/s/shepherded.htm - 7k

Shepherdess (1 Occurrence)

/s/shepherdess.htm - 6k

Walked (178 Occurrences)
... Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, The God before whom my fathers Abraham
and Isaac walked, the God that shepherded me all my life long to this day ...
/w/walked.htm - 38k

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)

/s/shepherd.htm - 42k

What is the Church of Almighty God / Eastern Lightning? | GotQuestions.org

Shepherded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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