In the Bible, a shepherd was someone who tended and cared for sheep. Sheep were very important livestock in biblical times, valued for their milk, meat, and wool. As a result, shepherding was a common occupation in Bible times.
The duties of a shepherd in the Bible included:
- Leading the sheep to pasture and water – Shepherds had to know good grazing lands and watering holes to lead the sheep to (Psalm 23:2).
- Guarding the sheep from predators – Using a rod and staff, shepherds protected sheep from lions, bears, wolves, and other dangers (Psalm 23:4, 1 Samuel 17:34-35).
- Searching for lost sheep – Shepherds often had to search for stray lambs and bring them back to the fold (Luke 15:4-7).
- Applying medicine – Shepherds inspected sheep for injuries or disease and applied oil, salves, or other remedies as needed (Psalm 23:5).
- Shearing sheep – Wool had to be trimmed and sheared at certain times of the year (Genesis 31:19).
- Assisting with birthing lambs – Shepherds helped ewes give birth and cared for newborn lambs.
- Keeping sheep in fold/pen at night – This protected them from theft and predators (John 10:1-18).
Shepherding required constant vigilance and care. As a result, the Bible often uses shepherding as a metaphor for leadership and caring for God’s people. God is portrayed as a shepherd who leads, protects, and cares for His flock (Psalm 23, John 10:11-18). Jesus called Himself the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Church leaders are tasked with shepherding and feeding God’s flock like Jesus (John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Some major biblical figures were actual shepherds by occupation including:
- Abel – Adam and Eve’s son who tended sheep (Genesis 4:2).
- Jacob – Cared for the flocks of his uncle Laban (Genesis 30:29-43).
- Rachel – Jacob’s wife, was a shepherdess (Genesis 29:9).
- Moses – Worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro before God called him to lead Israel (Exodus 3:1).
- David – Known as the shepherd king, he tended his father Jesse’s sheep before becoming king (1 Samuel 16:11, 17:15).
- Amos – Made his living as a shepherd before becoming a prophet (Amos 1:1, 7:14-15).
Shepherds occupied one of the lower rungs of society in biblical times. Yet God often chose shepherds as leaders due to the skills they developed tending flocks – protecting, feeding, rescuing, and guiding. As they cared for sheep, shepherds learned to be resourceful, brave, patient, nurturing, and faithful – qualities ultimately needed for leading God’s people.
Several passages poetically portray God as a shepherd who leads, provides, and protects for His people:
- Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…” This famous psalm depicts God leading, feeding, protecting, and comforting His sheep.
- Psalm 78:52 – “But he led forth his own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.” God shepherded Israel through the wilderness after delivering them from Egypt.
- Psalm 80:1 – “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.” A plea for God to restore and care for Israel.
- Isaiah 40:11 – “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” A prophecy of the Messiah’s coming portrayed in shepherding imagery.
- Jeremiah 31:10 – “He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.” God promised to regather scattered Israel and shepherd them again.
- Ezekiel 34 – God condemns Israel’s false shepherds and promises to shepherd them Himself, sending a true Shepherd from the line of David – an Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ.
Jesus identified Himself as the fulfillment of these Old Testament shepherding prophecies:
- John 10:11-18 – Jesus called Himself the “good shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep, contrasting Himself with hired hands who abandon the sheep.
- John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus has an intimate, caring relationship with His sheep.
- Matthew 18:12-14 – The parable of the lost sheep depicts Jesus searching for people lost in sin to bring them into His fold.
- Matthew 2:6 – Quotes Micah 5:2 that prophecies the Messiah will shepherd God’s people, fulfilled in Christ.
- Hebrews 13:20 – Jesus is “that great Shepherd of the sheep” who equips believers “to do His will.”
- 1 Peter 5:4 – When Jesus the “Chief Shepherd” appears, Christians will receive their reward for faithful service.
So in summation, shepherds in the Bible provided an example of the sacrificial care, guidance, and protection God provides for His people. Their vocation ultimately pointed forward to Jesus Christ – the Good Shepherd who lovingly leads His sheep.