Topical Bible: Praise: Shepherds

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In the biblical narrative, shepherds hold a significant role, both literally and metaphorically. They are often depicted as caretakers of sheep, a role that requires vigilance, dedication, and compassion. The image of the shepherd is frequently used to illustrate spiritual truths, particularly in relation to God's care for His people and the leadership of His chosen servants.

Old Testament Context

The role of the shepherd is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Figures such as Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses were all shepherds at some point in their lives. David, perhaps the most famous shepherd in the Bible, was tending his father's sheep when he was anointed by Samuel to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). His experience as a shepherd informed his leadership style and his understanding of God's relationship with His people, as seen in the beloved Psalm 23, where David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1).

Shepherds in the Old Testament were responsible for the welfare of their flocks, leading them to pastures, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their overall well-being. This role is often used metaphorically to describe the leaders of Israel, with God Himself being depicted as the ultimate Shepherd. In Ezekiel 34, God condemns the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd His people properly and promises to be their Shepherd: "I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out" (Ezekiel 34:11).

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament continues the theme of shepherds, most notably in the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:8-20, shepherds are the first to receive the announcement of the Savior's birth. The angel of the Lord appears to them, proclaiming, "Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). The shepherds' response is one of immediate praise and action; they go to Bethlehem to see the newborn Messiah and then spread the word about what they have witnessed, glorifying and praising God.

Jesus Himself is described as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11, where He states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" . This declaration highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission and His deep care for His followers. The imagery of the shepherd is used to convey the intimate relationship between Christ and His disciples, emphasizing His role as protector, provider, and guide.

Shepherds as Leaders

In the early church, the term "shepherd" (or "pastor") became synonymous with church leaders. The Apostle Peter exhorts the elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you" (1 Peter 5:2). This instruction underscores the responsibility of church leaders to care for their congregations with the same dedication and love that a shepherd has for his sheep.

The role of shepherds in the Bible, both as literal caretakers of sheep and as spiritual leaders, is a profound illustration of God's care and guidance. Through the imagery of the shepherd, Scripture reveals the heart of God as one who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, leading them with wisdom and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

At the Birth of the Son, There was a Great Shouting in Bethlehem
... Thee then the Shepherds praise, because Thou hast reconciled the wolves and the
lambs within the fold; O Babe, that art older than Noah and younger than Noah ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn v at the birth.htm

Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon. Now Praise we Christ, the Holy ...
... 7. Th' angelic choir rejoice, and raise Their voice to God in songs of praise; To
humble shepherds is proclaimed The Shepherd who the world hath framed. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/vii christum wir sollen loben.htm

Shepherds and Angels
... They stood in their serried ranks round the shepherds and their fellows on ... on every
face wondering gladness and eager sympathy with men, from every lip praise. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/shepherds and angels.htm

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
... The shepherds doubtless passed to their reward during the thirty years which Jesus ...
of their commonplace life was now filled with music of praise, and their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xi the birth of jesus.htm

Von Himmel Kam Der Engel Schaar. To Shepherds, as they Watched by ...
... 1. To shepherds, as they watched by night, Appeared a troop of angels bright; Behold ...
ye Are now become God's family: To God forever give ye praise, Patient and ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxxii von himmel kam der.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... heard wondered, or that Mary treasured in her heart the heavenly messages, or that
the shepherds returned to their tasks with gratitude and praise, for there ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

The Lord of Life to Earth came Down
... O 'twas a day of high renown,. While angels praise Him in the sky. The shepherds
saw a wondrous sight,. In Bethlehem's fields at even,. When, lo! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns from the east/the lord of life to.htm

The Founder of Christianity.
... Angels from heaven proclaimed the good tidings of his birth with songs of praise;
Jewish shepherds from the neighboring fields, and heathen sages from the far ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 15 the founder of.htm

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... and wantonness." [1401] Let the pipe be resigned to the shepherds, and the ... Spirit,
distinguishing from such revelry the divine service, sings, "Praise Him with ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

The Church of Christ
... The day is coming when the careless shepherds shall be as naught; when the ... shall
be raised some Christian building, where the chants of solemn praise shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the church of christ.htm