The Noble Shepherds of Israel
Shepherding, above all, requires a profound bond of love between a shepherd and their flock. In biblical times, shepherds would gather their animals into a sheepfold, a round enclosure that provided protection against thieves and wild animals. The only entrance was a narrow opening called the “gate,” which had no door. Instead, the shepherd obstructed the opening with their own body. This is precisely what Jesus meant when he said: “I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7).
A Position of Devotion
The bond between a shepherd and their flock is even imbedded in Hebrew! The Hebrew word for “shepherd” is ro’eh (רֹעֵה). This is closely related to another Hebrew word, re’ah (רֵעַ) meaning “companion.” Thus, Hebrew affirms the idea that shepherds guard their flock out of fellowship and devotion. It is not surprising that many of the great biblical leaders were shepherds: Abraham, David and Moses, to name just a few.
Understand the True Meaning of Scripture
We all aspire to lead moral lives and to be rewarded by “being led beside still waters” (Psalm 23). To be a true follower of the Bible, you need to be able to savor every word in its most original form: the Hebrew language. Enroll today in our live, online Biblical Hebrew course and understand the true meaning of the beloved words: “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”