Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "shepherd" is often used metaphorically to describe leaders, particularly those who are entrusted with the spiritual care and guidance of God's people. While the role of a shepherd is ideally one of nurturing, protection, and guidance, Scripture also warns against shepherds who are ignorant and foolish, representing bad ministers who fail in their divine responsibilities.The prophet Ezekiel provides a poignant critique of such shepherds in Ezekiel 34:2-4 : "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.'" This passage highlights the failure of these shepherds to fulfill their duties, focusing instead on their own gain and neglecting the needs of the flock. Their ignorance and foolishness are evident in their self-centered actions and lack of compassion, which ultimately lead to the scattering and suffering of the sheep. The New Testament also addresses the issue of false shepherds. In John 10:12-13 , Jesus contrasts the good shepherd with the hired hand: "The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep." Here, the hired hand represents those who lack genuine commitment and care for the flock, prioritizing their safety over the well-being of the sheep. This lack of dedication and understanding is a hallmark of ignorant and foolish shepherds. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, further warns against leaders who deviate from sound doctrine and lead others astray. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , he writes: "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This admonition underscores the danger posed by shepherds who, in their ignorance and foolishness, cater to the desires of the people rather than adhering to the truth of God's Word. Such leaders contribute to spiritual decline and confusion within the community of believers. In conclusion, the Bible provides a clear warning against ignorant and foolish shepherds, emphasizing the critical importance of faithful and wise leadership. True shepherds are called to emulate the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). They are to lead with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the truth, ensuring the spiritual well-being and growth of the flock entrusted to their care. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 56:11Yes, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:6 Ezekiel 34:2,10 Zechariah 11:7,8,15-17 Library The Ministry. Come and Welcome A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ... The Motives to this Oversight Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The First Epistle of St. Peter The Puritan Conflict. Introduction to Oration ii. Of Matrimony. Resources Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.orgIs the little drummer boy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Shepherding Movement? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shepherds of Christ As the Good Shepherd Shepherds of God As Leader of Israel Shepherds of Kings As the Leaders of the People Shepherds of Ministers of the Gospel Shepherds: (Ignorant and Foolish) of Bad Ministers Shepherds: (Searching out Straying Sheep) Christ Seeking the Lost Shepherds: (Their Care and Tenderness) Tenderness of Christ Shepherds: An Abomination to the Egyptians Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Attending Them when Sick Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Defending Them when Attacked by Wild Beasts Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Going Before and Leading Them Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Knowing Them Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Numbering Them when They Return from Pasture Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Searching Them out when Lost and Straying Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Seeking out Good Pasture for Them Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Tenderness to the Ewes in Lamb, and to the Young Shepherds: Care of the Sheep By, Exhibited in Watching Over Them by Night Shepherds: Carried a Staff or Rod Shepherds: Dwelt in Tents While Tending Their Flocks Shepherds: had Hired Keepers Under Them Shepherds: Members of the Family Both Male and Female Acted As Shepherds: The Unfaithfulness of Hireling, Alluded To Shepherds: Usually Carried a Scrip or Bag Related Terms |
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