SHEPHERD רֹעֶ֤ה, herdsman; tender, grazer from the Heb. verb meaning “to pasture” or “tend” a flock. The form is the present active participle of the verb. It is usually, though not always, tr. “shepherd” in the Bible. See Sheep; [http://biblegateway/wiki/Occupations, Trades and Professions in Palestine OCCUPATIONS].

In the literal sense of one who cares for a flock of sheep, it is first found in Genesis 4:2 to describe the occupation of Abel. Later Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jacob’s sons are identified as shepherds (Gen 13:7; 26:20; 30:36; 37:22ff.). Because of their occupation the sons of Jacob, when they went to Egypt, were not allowed to dwell near the Egyptians, who considered shepherds unclean (Gen 46:34).

The shepherd was known for his feeding and protecting the flock (Jer 31:10; Ezek 34:2); for seeking out the lost sheep (Ezek 34:12) and for rescuing those which were attacked (Amos 3:12).

Moses was a shepherd when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exod 3:1). David was also a shepherd when God called him to be king of Israel (1 Sam 16:11ff.). The life of the shepherd was excellent preparation for one who should lead God’s people (cf. Amos 1:1).

From the idea of the shepherd as a protector and leader of the flock, came the concept of God as the Shepherd of Israel. Shepherds themselves first declared this likeness. Jacob so addressed God in the days just before his death (Gen 48:15). David called God his Shepherd in the well-known twenty-third Psalm (Ps 23:1) and Asaph did in Psalm 80:1.

Isaiah expanded on this view of God who is described by him as the shepherd who feeds Israel (Isa 40:11). Jeremiah speaks of God as one like a shepherd who protects His flock (Jer 31:10). Ezekiel completes the view of God as a shepherd by describing Him as a God who seeks out His flock (Ezek 34:12).

In keeping with this concept one finds in the OT many passages which speak of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds under God. In Numbers 27:17 and 1 Kings 22:17, the plight of Israel without leaders is likened to sheep without a shepherd. Later, the prophets, priests, and kings who had failed God and God’s people were condemned as shepherds who deserted or misled the flock (Jer 2:8; 10:21; 23:1ff.; Ezek 34:2ff., etc.).

It is not surprising then that in the NT we find our Lord described as a shepherd (ποιμήν, G4478). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:2, 11, 14, 16). He divides His sheep like a shepherd (Matt 25:32); and He suffers for the sake of the sheep as a good Shepherd (26:31).

The writer of Hebrews calls Jesus the “great shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20). Peter also calls him “the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (1 Pet 2:25). See Sheep; [http://biblegateway/wiki/Occupations, Trades and Professions in Palestine OCCUPATIONS].

Bibliography D. Baly, The Geography of the Bible (1957), 94, 104, 107, 108.