Reference: Shepherd
American
Or PASTOR. Abel was a keeper of sheep, Ge 4:2, as were the greater number of the ancient patriarchs. When men began to multiply, and to follow different employments, Jabal son of Lamech was acknowledged as father, that is, founder of shepherd and nomads, Ge 4:20. A large part of the wealth of ancient patriarchs consisted in flocks and herds, the care of which was shared by their sons, daughters, and servants. Rachel the bride of Jacob was a shepherdess, Ge 29:6; his sons, the fathers of the tribes of Israel were shepherds, and so was David their king, Ps 78:70-72. The employment is highly honored in the Bible, Lu 2:8-20. In the time of the kings, the "chief herdsman" occupies a post of some importance, 1Sa 21:7; 2Ki 3:4; 1Ch 27:29-31. In Palestine and its vicinity, besides those who united the keeping of flocks and herds with the tillage of the ground, there were and still are numbers of nomads or wandering shepherds confining themselves to no settled home. These dwellers in tents often had a wide range of pasture grounds, from one to another of which they drove their flocks as occasion required, Ge 37:12-17. In the vast deserts east and south of Palestine they found many spots which in winter and spring were clothed with verdure, Ex 3:1; Ps 65:12. But the heat of summer withered these "pastures of the wilderness," and drove the shepherds and their flocks to seek for highlands and streams. There are many indications in the Scripture of the conscious strength and independence of he ancient shepherd patriarchs, of the extent of their households, and the consideration in which they were held, Ge 14:14-24; 21:22-32; 26:13-16; 30:43; Job 1:3.
God sometimes takes the name of Shepherd of Israel, Ps 80:1 Jer 31:10; and kings, both in Scripture and ancient writers, are distinguished by the title of "Shepherds of the people." The prophets often inveigh against the "shepherds of Israel," that is, the kings, who feed themselves and neglect their flocks; who distress, ill-treat, seduce, and lead them astray, Eze 34:10. In like manner Christ, as the Messiah, is often called a shepherd,
Zec 13:7, and also takes on himself the title of "the Good Shepherd," who gives his life for his sheep, Joh 10:11,14-15. Paul calls him the great Shepherd of the sheep, Heb 13:20, and Peter gives him the appellation of Prince of shepherds, 1Pe 5:4. His ministers are in like manner the pastors or under-shepherds of the flock, Jer 3:15; 23:3; Eph 4:11.
In Joh 10:1-16, our Savior says the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep; that he knows them, and they know him; that they hear his voice, and follow him; that he goes before them; that no one shall force them out of his hands, and that he calls them by their names. These, however, being all incidents taken from the customs of the country, are by no means so striking to us as they must have been to those who heard our Lord, and who every day witnessed such methods of conducting this domesticated animal. Modern travelers in the East meet with many pleasing confirmation of the truth of Scripture in respect to these particulars; they see the shepherd walking before his flock, any one of which will instantly run to him when called by its own name. The hireling, or bad shepherd, forsakes the sheep, and the thief enters not by the door of the sheepfold, but climbs in another way. See SHEEP. The Bible applies many of the excellences of the faithful shepherd in illustration of the Savior's care of his flock. The shepherd was responsible for each member of the flock intrusted to him, Ge 31:39; Ex 22:12; Joh 10:28; he had need of great courage and endurance, Ge 31:40; 1Sa 17:34-35; Joh 15:10; he exercised a tender care towards the feeble, and carried the lambs in his arms, Ge 33:13; Isa 40:11; Mr 10:14,16; and searched for the lost sheep, bringing it back from the "land of drought and the shadow of death" into green pastures and still waters, Ps 23; Lu 15:4-7.
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And she proceeded forth and bare his brother Abel: And Abel became a shepherd, and Cain became a plowman.
When Abram heard that his brother was taken, he harnessed his servants born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and followed till they came at Dan. And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus, read more. and brought again all the goods and also his brother Lot, and his goods; the women also and the people. And as he returned again from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and of the kings that were with him, then came the king of Sodom to meet him, unto the vale of Shaveh which now is called King's Dale. Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine. And he being the priest of the most highest God, blessed him, saying, "Blessed be Abram unto the most highest God, possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God the most highest, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hands." And Abram gave him tithes of all. Then said the king of Sodom unto Abram, "Give me the souls, and take the goods to thyself." And Abram answered the king of Sodom, "I lift up my hand unto the LORD God most high, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take of all that is thine, so much as a thread or a shoe latchet, lest thou shouldest say 'I have made Abram rich.' Save only that which the young men have eaten and the parts of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol and Mamre: Let them take their parts."
And it chanced, the same season, that Abimelech and Phicol his chief captain spake unto Abraham saying, "God is with thee in all that thou doest. Now therefore swear unto me even here by God, that thou wilt not hurt me nor my children, nor my children's children. But that thou shalt deal with me and the country where thou art a stranger, according unto the kindness that I have showed thee." read more. Then said Abraham, "I will swear." And Abraham rebuked Abimelech for a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had taken away. And Abimelech answered, "I wist not who did it: Also thou toldest me not, neither heard I of it, but this day." And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech. And they made both of them a bond together. And Abraham set seven lambs by themselves. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, "What mean these seven lambs which thou hast set by themselves?" And he answered, "Seven lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well." Wherefore the place is called Beersheba, because they sware both of them. Thus made they a bond together at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol his chief Captain rose up and turned again unto the land of the Philistines.
And the man waxed mighty, and went forth and grew till he was exceeding great, that he had possession of sheep, of oxen, and a mighty household; so that the Philistines had envy at him, read more. insomuch that they stopped, and filled up with earth, all the wells which his father's servants digged in his father Abraham's time. Then said Abimelech unto Isaac, "Get thee from me, for thou art mightier than we a great deal."
And he said unto them, "Is he in good health?" And they said, "He is in good health: and behold, his daughter Rachel cometh with the sheep."
And the man became exceeding rich and had many sheep, maidservants, menservants, camels and asses.
Whatsoever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand didst thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
And he said unto him, "My lord knoweth that I have tender children, ewes and cows with young, under mine hand, which if men should overdrive but even one day, the whole flock would die.
His brethren went to keep their father's sheep in Shechem, and Israel said unto Joseph, "Do not thy brethren keep in Shechem? Come, that I may send thee to them." And he answered, "Here am I." read more. And he said unto him, "Go and see whether it be well with thy brethren and the sheep, and bring me word again." And sent him out of the vale of Hebron, for to go to Shechem. And a certain man found him wandering out of his way in the field, and asked him what he sought. And he answered, "I seek my brethren, tell me, I pray thee, where they keep sheep." And the man said, "They are departed hence, for I heard them say, 'Let us go unto Dothan.'" Thus went Joseph after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
Moses kept the sheep of Jethro his father-in-law, priest of Midian, and he drove the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
And there was there, the same day, a certain man of the servants of Saul abiding before the LORD named Doeg; an Edomite, the chiefest of Saul's herdsmen.
His substance was seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she-asses, and a very great household: so that he was one of the most principal men among all them of the east country.
They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness; and the little hills shall rejoice on every side.
He chose David also his servant, and took him away from the sheepfolds. As he was following the ewes great with young, he took him, that he might feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. read more. So he fed them with a faithful and true heart, and ruled them with all the diligence of his power.
{To the Chanter, upon Shoshannim, a Psalm of Asaph} Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Jacob like a flock of sheep; show thyself, thou that sittest upon the Cherubim.
He shall feed his flock like a herdsman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young.
and I will give you herdsmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom.
And will gather together the remnant of my flock, from all lands that I had driven them unto, and will bring them again to their pastures, that they may grow and increase.
"Hear the word of the LORD, O ye Gentiles; preach in the Isles that lie far off, and say, 'He that hath scattered Israel, shall gather him together again, and shall keep him as a shepherd doth his flock.'
Thus sayeth the LORD God: Behold, I myself will upon the shepherds, and require my sheep from their hands, and make them cease from feeding of my sheep: Yea the shepherds shall feed themselves no more: For I will deliver my sheep out of their mouths, so that they shall not devour them after this.
"Arise, O thou sword, upon my shepherd, and upon the prince of my people, sayeth the LORD of Hosts: Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad, and so will I turn mine hand to the little ones.
When Jesus saw that, he was displeased, and said to them, "Suffer the children to come unto me and forbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of God.
And he took them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. read more. But the angel said unto them, "Be not afraid: For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled, and laid in a manger." And straightway there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God, and saying, "Glory to God on high: and peace on the earth, and unto men, rejoicing." And it fortuned, as soon as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is happened, which the Lord hath showed unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe laid in a manger. And when they had seen it, they published abroad the saying, which was told them of that child. And all that heard it wondered, at those things which were told them of the shepherds. But Mary kept all those sayings, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, praising and lauding God for all that they had heard and seen, even as it was told unto them.
"What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find him? And when he hath found him, he putteth him on his shoulders with joy: read more. And as soon as he cometh home he calleth together his lovers, and neighbours saying unto them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not in by the door, into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way: the same is a thief and a robber. He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. read more. To him the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice; And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: For they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but will fly from him. For they know not the voice of strangers." This similitude spake Jesus unto them. But they understood not, what things they were, which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily I say unto you: that I am the door of the sheep. All, even as many as came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me, if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal and kill, and destroy. I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flyeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. read more. The hired servant flyeth because he is a hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine.
I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine. As my father knoweth me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for the sheep,
As my father knoweth me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for the sheep, and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring, that they may hear my voice. And that there may be one flock, and one shepherd.
And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
If ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love: even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love.
And the very same, made some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Shepherds, some Teachers:
The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting testament,
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory.
Easton
a word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead (Jer 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16). This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people (Ps 23:1; 80:1; Isa 40:11; 44:28; Jer 25:34-35; Na 3:18; Joh 10:11,14; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 2:25; 5:4).
The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1Sa 17:34).", Deane's David.
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Then said David unto Saul, "As thy servant kept his father's sheep, there came a Lion and likewise a Bear, and took a sheep out of the flock.
{A Psalm of David} The LORD is my shepherd; I can want nothing.
{To the Chanter, upon Shoshannim, a Psalm of Asaph} Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Jacob like a flock of sheep; show thyself, thou that sittest upon the Cherubim.
He shall feed his flock like a herdsman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young.
I say to Cyrus, "Thou art mine herdsman," so that he shall fulfill all things after my will. I say unto Jerusalem, "Be thou builded," and to the temple, "Be thou fast grounded."
The priests themselves said not once, 'Where is the LORD?' They that have the law in their hands, know me not: The shepherds offend against me. The Prophets do service unto Baal, and follow such things as shall bring them no profit.
and I will give you herdsmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom.
For the herdsmen have done foolishly, that they have not sought the LORD. Therefore have they dealt unwisely with their cattle, and all are scattered abroad.
Divers herdsmen have broken down my vineyard, and trodden upon my portion. Of my pleasant portion, they have made a wilderness and desert.
And I enforced not to be a shepherd that should not follow thee: and the day of destruction have I not desired, thou knowest. And that proceeded out of my mouth was right in thy sight.
Mourn, O ye shepherds, and cry: sprinkle yourselves with ashes, O ye rams of the flock! For the time of your slaughter is fulfilled, and ye shall fall like vessels cunningly made for pleasure. The shepherds shall have no way to flee, and the rams of the flock shall not escape.
Thy shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria, thy worthies are laid down: thy people is scattered abroad upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them together again.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine.
The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting testament,
Fausets
(See SHEEP.) The nomadic state is one of the earliest stages of society, and was regarded as honourable even to a chief (Ge 4:2,20; 30:29 ff; Genesis 37); chiefs' daughters did not disdain to tend flocks (Ge 29:6, etc.; Ex 2:19). The long stay in Egypt elevated Israel from the nomadic to a settled life. The two and a half nomadic tribes received their portion in the outlying regions beyond Jordan (Numbers 32). As agriculture increased pasturage decreased, and was limited to particular spots, the border of the wilderness of Judah, Carmel (1Sa 25:2), Bethlehem (1Sa 16:11; Lu 2:8), Tekoa (Am 1:1), and Gedor (1Ch 4:39). Hence the "shepherd's tent" came to symbolize desolation (Eze 25:4; Zep 2:6). The shepherd's occupation was now no longer dignified (Ps 78:70; 2Sa 7:8; Am 7:14).
The shepherd's office represents Jehovah's tender care of His people (Psalm 23; Isa 40:11; 49:9-10; Jer 23:3-4; Eze 34:11-12,23). Allusions occur to the exposure to heat and cold (Ge 31:40), the precarious food (Am 7:14), the husks of the carob (Lu 15:16), the attacks of beasts (1Sa 17:34; Isa 31:4; Am 3:12), robbers (Ge 31:39). The shepherd had a mantle of sheepskin with the fleece on (Jer 43:12), a wallet for food (1Sa 17:40), a sling such as the Bedouin still carries, a staff to ward off foes and to guide the flock with its crook (Ps 23:4; Zec 11:7; so Jehovah "lifts up His staff against" His people's foes, Isa 10:1-24; His word is at once our prop of support and our defense against Satan). The shepherd, when far from home, had his light tent (Song 1:8), easily taken down and shifted (Isa 38:12).
Towers were sometimes erected to spy a foe afar off, and to guard the flock (2Ch 26:10; 27:4, compare "tower of Edar," Ge 35:21; Mic 4:8). (See EDAR.) His duty was to go before and call by name the sheep (Joh 10:4), watch it with dogs, a sorry animal in the East (Job 30:1), to search for stray sheep (Eze 34:12; Lu 15:4), to supply water, either at a stream or at troughs by wells (Ge 29:7; 30:38; Ex 2:16), (so Jesus, Ps 23:2), to bring back to the fold at evening and to reckon the sheep that none be missing (compare as to Jesus Joh 18:9; 17:11-12; 10:28-29), passing one by one "under the rod" (Le 27:32; Jer 33:13; Eze 20:37), (i.e. you shall be counted as Mine, and subjected to My chastening discipline with a view to My ultimate saving of the elect, Mic 7:14), checking each sheep as it passed; to act as porter, guarding the entrance to the fold by night (Joh 10:3).
The shepherds kept watches (plural in Greek, Lu 2:8, not "slumbering," Na 3:18) by turns at night, not on duty both night and day as Jacob (Ge 31:40). Tenderness to the young and feeble was the shepherd's duty, not to overdrive them (Ge 33:13); so Jesus (Isa 40:11-29; Mr 6:31; 8:2; 4:33; Joh 16:12). There were chief and under shepherds (Ge 47:6; 1Pe 5:4), and hirelings not of the family (Joh 10:11-13; 1Sa 21:7). The shepherd had responsibility, and at the same time personal interest in the flock (1Sa 31:13; 30:31; 1Co 9:7).
Playing on the pipe beguiled the monotony, and a feast at shearing time gave a yearly variety (1Sa 16:17; Ge 31:19; 38:12; 2Sa 13:23). Shepherds often contended with one another as to water (Ge 26:17-22; Ex 2:17). The Egyptian antipathy to shepherds (whom the monuments always represent as mean) was due to their being themselves agriculturists, whereas the neighbouring Arabs with whom they so often strove were nomads. The seizure of Lower Egypt by shepherd kings (Hyksos) for centuries aggravated this dislike, though the Hyksos were subsequent to Joseph (Ge 46:34). Princes, and even hostile leaders, are called shepherds: Isa 44:28; Jer 2:8; 3:15; 6:3; Eze 34:2; Mic 5:5. Teachers: Ec 12:11. Messiah: Ge 49:24; Ps 80:1; Zec 13:7; Joh 10:14; Heb 13:20.
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And she proceeded forth and bare his brother Abel: And Abel became a shepherd, and Cain became a plowman.
Then Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley Gerar and dwelt there. And Isaac digged again, the wells of water which they digged in the days of Abraham his father which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham, and gave them the same names which his father gave them. read more. As Isaac's servants digged in the valley, they found a well of springing water. And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." Then called he the well Esek, because they strove with him. Then digged they another well, and they strove for that also. Therefore called he it Sitnah. And then he departed thence, and digged another well for the which they strove not: therefore called he it Rehoboth, saying, "The LORD hath now made us room, and we are increased upon the earth."
And he said unto them, "Is he in good health?" And they said, "He is in good health: and behold, his daughter Rachel cometh with the sheep." And he said, "Lo, it is yet a great while to night, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water the sheep and go and feed them."
But he said unto him, "Thou knowest what service I have done thee, and in what taking thy cattle have been under me:
And he put the staves which he had peeled even before the sheep; in the gutters and watering troughs, when the sheep came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
Laban was gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen her father's images.
Whatsoever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand didst thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
And he said unto him, "My lord knoweth that I have tender children, ewes and cows with young, under mine hand, which if men should overdrive but even one day, the whole flock would die.
And Israel went thence and pitched up his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
And in process of time, the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died. Then Judah, when he had left mourning, went unto his sheep shearers to Timnath with his friend Hirah of Adullam.
say, 'Thy servants have been occupied about cattle, from our childhood unto this time: both we and our fathers,' that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen. For an abomination unto the Egyptians are all that feed sheep."
The land of Egypt is open before thee: In the best place of the land make both thy father and thy brethren dwell. And even in the land of Goshen let them dwell. Moreover, if thou know any men of activity among them, make them rulers over my cattle."
and yet his bow bode fast, and his arms and his hands were strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob: out of him shall come a herdsman, a stone in Israel.
The priest of Midian had seven daughters which came and drew water and filled the troughs, for to water their father's sheep. And the shepherds came and drove them away: But Moses stood up and helped them and watered their sheep.
And they answered, "There was an Egyptian that delivered us from the shepherds, and so drew us water and watered the sheep."
"'And the tithes of oxen and sheep and of all that goeth under the herdsman's keeping, shall be holy tithes unto the LORD.
Then said Samuel to Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" And he said, "The youngest is yet behind. Behold, he keepeth the sheep." Then Samuel said unto Jesse, "Send and fetch him for we will not sit down, till he be come hither."
And Saul said unto his servants, "Seek me a man that can well play, and bring him to me."
Then said David unto Saul, "As thy servant kept his father's sheep, there came a Lion and likewise a Bear, and took a sheep out of the flock.
and took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of a brook and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, and in a poke; and took a sling in his hand, and went to the Philistine.
And there was a man in Maon whose cattle was in Carmel, and the man was exceeding mighty, and had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
and took their bones and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
And they went as far as Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their cattle.
And he built towers in the wilderness and digged many wells. For he had much cattle, both in the valley and also in the plain; and plowmen and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved husbandry.
Moreover, he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the wood country he built castles and towers.
But now, they that are mine inferiors and younger than I, have me in derision; yea even they, whose fathers I would have thought scorn to have set with the dogs of my cattle.
He feedeth me in a green pasture, and leadeth me forth beside the waters of comfort.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
He chose David also his servant, and took him away from the sheepfolds.
{To the Chanter, upon Shoshannim, a Psalm of Asaph} Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Jacob like a flock of sheep; show thyself, thou that sittest upon the Cherubim.
For the words of the wise are like pricks and nails that go through, wherewith men are kept together: for they are given of one shepherd only.
If thou know not thyself, O thou fairest among women, then go thy way forth after the footsteps of the sheep, and feed thy goats beside the shepherds' tents.
Woe be unto you that make unrighteous laws, and devise things, which be too hard for to keep: wherethrough the poor are oppressed on every side, and the innocents of my people are therewith robbed of judgment: that widows may be your prey, and that ye may rob the fatherless. read more. What will ye do in time of the visitation and destruction, that shall come from far? To whom will ye run for help? Or to whom will ye give your honour, that he may keep it? That ye come not among the prisoners, or lie among the dead? After all this shall not the wrath of the LORD cease, but yet shall his hand be stretched out still. Woe be also unto Assyria, which is a staff of my wrath, in whose hand is the rod of my punishment. For I shall send him among those hypocritical people, among the people that have deserved my disfavour shall I send him: that he may utterly rob them, spoil them, and tread them down like the mire in the street. Howbeit, his meaning is not so, neither thinketh his heart of this fashion. But he imagineth only, how he may overthrow and destroy much people, for he sayeth, "Are not my princes all kings? Is not Calno as easy to win as Carchemish? Is it harder to conquer Hamath than Arpad? Or is it lighter to overcome Damascus than Samaria?" As who say, "I were able to win the kingdom of the Idolaters and their gods, but not Jerusalem and Samaria. Shall I not do unto Jerusalem and their Images, as I did unto Samaria and their Images?" Wherefore the LORD sayeth: As soon as I have performed my whole work upon the hill of Zion and Jerusalem, then will I also visit the noble and stout king of Assyria, with his wisdom and pride." For he standeth thus in his own conceit: "This do I, through the power of my own hand, and through my wisdom: For I am wise, I am he that removes the lands of the people, I rob their princes: and like one of the worthies I drive them from their high seats. My hand hath found out the Hosts of the people, as it were a nest. And like as eggs, that were laid here and there, are gathered together: So do I gather all countries. And there is no man, that dare be so bold as to touch a feather, that dare open his mouth, or once whisper." But doth the axe boost itself, against him that heweth therewith? Or doth the saw make any bragging, against him that ruleth it? That were even like as if the rod did exalt itself against him that beareth it: or as though the staff should magnify itself, as who say it were not wood. Therefore shall the LORD of Hosts send him poverty in his riches, and burn up his power, as it were with a fire. But the light of Israel shall be that fire, and his Sanctuary shall be the flame, and it shall kindle, and burn up his thorns and briers in one day. Yea, all the glory of his woods and fields shall be consumed with body and soul. As for himself, he shall be as one chased away. The trees also of his field shall be of such a number that a child may tell them. After that day shall the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped out of the house of Jacob, seek no more comfort at him that smote them, but shall comfort themselves with faithfulness and truth in the LORD, the holy one of Israel. The remnant, yea and the Posterity of Jacob, shall convert unto God the mighty one. For though thy people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, yet shall but the remnant of them only convert unto him. Perfect is the judgment of him that floweth in righteousness, and therefore the LORD of Hosts shall perfectly fulfill the thing, that he hath determined in the midst of the whole world. Therefore thus sayeth the LORD God of Hosts, "Thou my people, that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid for the king of the Assyrians: He shall wag his staff at thee, yea and beat thee with the rod, as the Egyptians did sometimes:
For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, "Like as the lion or lion's whelps roareth upon the prey that he hath gotten, and is not afraid though the multitude of shepherds cry out upon him, neither abashed for all the heap of them: So shall the LORD of Hosts come down from the mount Zion, and defend his hill.
Mine age is folden up together, and taken away from me, like a shepherd's cottage: my life is hewn off, like as a weaver cutteth off his web. While I was yet taking my rest, he hewed me off, and made an end of me in one day.'
He shall feed his flock like a herdsman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young.
He shall feed his flock like a herdsman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young. "Who hath holden the waters in his fist? Who hath measured heaven with his span, and hath comprehended all the earth of the world in three measures? Who hath weighed the mountains and hills in a balance? read more. Who hath reformed the mind of the LORD? Or who is of his counsel to teach him? At whom hath he asked counsel, to make him understand, and to learn him the way of judgment: to teach him science: and to instruct him in the way of understanding? Behold, all people are in comparison of him, as a drop to a bucketful, and are counted as the least thing that the balance weigheth. Behold, the Isles are in comparison of him, as the shadow of the sunbeam. Lebanon is not sufficient to minister fire for his offering, and all the beasts thereof are not enough to one sacrifice. All people in comparison of him are reckoned as nothing, yea vain vanity and emptiness. "To whom then will ye liken God? Or what similitude will ye set up unto him? Shall the carver make him a carved image? And shall the goldsmith cover him with gold, or cast him into a form of silver plates? Moreover, shall the image maker, that the poor man which is disposed may have something to set up also, seek out and choose a tree, that is not rotten, and carve thereout an image, that moveth not? Know ye not this? Heard ye never of it? Hath it not been preached unto you since the beginning? Have ye not been informed of this since the foundation of the earth was laid? That he sitteth upon the Circle of the world, and that all the inhabiters of the world are, in comparison of him, but as grasshoppers; That he spreadeth out the heavens as a covering, he stretcheth them out as a tent to dwell in; That he bringeth princes to nothing, and the judges of the earth to dust; so that they be not planted, nor sown again, neither their stock rooted again in the earth? For as soon as he bloweth upon them, they wither and fade away, like the straw in a whirlwind. 'To whom now will ye liken me, and whom shall I be like?' sayeth the holy one. Lift up your eyes on high, and consider who hath made those things, which come out by so great heaps; and he can call them all by their names. For there is nothing hid unto the greatness of his power, strength, and might. "How may then Jacob think, or how may Israel say, 'My ways are hid from the LORD, and my God knoweth not of my judgments.' Knowest thou not, or hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD which made all the corners of the earth, is neither weary nor faint: and that his wisdom cannot be comprehended? But that he giveth strength unto the weary, and power unto the faint?
I say to Cyrus, "Thou art mine herdsman," so that he shall fulfill all things after my will. I say unto Jerusalem, "Be thou builded," and to the temple, "Be thou fast grounded."
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, "Go forth," and to them that are in darkness, "Come into the light." That they may feed in the high ways, and get their living in all places. There shall neither hunger nor thirst, heat nor Sun hurt them. For he that favoureth them shall lead them, and give them drink of the spring wells.
The priests themselves said not once, 'Where is the LORD?' They that have the law in their hands, know me not: The shepherds offend against me. The Prophets do service unto Baal, and follow such things as shall bring them no profit.
and I will give you herdsmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom.
Their tents shall they pitch round about her, and every one shall feed his part with his hand.
And will gather together the remnant of my flock, from all lands that I had driven them unto, and will bring them again to their pastures, that they may grow and increase. I will set shepherds also over them, which shall feed them. They shall no more fear and dread, for there shall none of them be lost, sayeth the LORD.
in the cities upon the mountains; and in the cities that lie upon the plain and in the desert. In the land of Benjamin, in the fields of Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah shall the sheep be numbered again, under the hand of him that telleth them, sayeth the LORD.
He shall set fire upon the temples of the Egyptian gods, and burn them up, and take themselves prisoners. Moreover, he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, like as a shepherd putteth on his coat, and shall depart his way from thence in peace.
I will bring you under my jurisdiction, and under the bond of the covenant.
Behold, I will deliver thee to the people of the east, that they may have thee in possession: these shall set their castles and houses in thee. They shall eat thy fruit, and drink up thy milk.
"Thou son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and speak unto them, 'Thus sayeth the LORD God: Woe be unto the shepherds of Israel, that feed themselves. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
For thus sayeth the LORD God: Behold, I will look to my sheep myself, and seek them. Like as a shepherd among the flock seeketh after the sheep that are scattered abroad, even so will I seek after my sheep, and gather them together out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
Like as a shepherd among the flock seeketh after the sheep that are scattered abroad, even so will I seek after my sheep, and gather them together out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
I will raise up to them one only shepherd: even my servant David. He shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
These are the sermons that were showed unto Amos, which was one of the shepherds at Tekoa, upon Israel, in the time of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the time of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
Thus sayeth the LORD, 'like as a herdsman taketh two legs or a piece of an ear out of the lion's mouth: Even so the children of Israel that dwell in Samaria, having their couches in the corner, and the beds at Damascus, shall be plucked away.
Amos answered, and said to Amaziah, "As for me I am neither prophet, nor prophet's son: but a keeper of cattle. Now as I was breaking down mulberries, and going after the cattle,
Amos answered, and said to Amaziah, "As for me I am neither prophet, nor prophet's son: but a keeper of cattle. Now as I was breaking down mulberries, and going after the cattle,
And unto thee, O thou tower of Eder, thou stronghold of the daughter Zion, unto thee shall it come: even the first lordship and kingdom of the daughter Jerusalem.
Then shall there be peace, so that the Assyrian may come into our land, and tread in our houses. We shall bring up seven shepherds and eight princes upon them:
Therefore feed thy people with thy rod; the flock of thine heritage which dwell desolate in the wood: that they may be fed upon the mount of Carmel, Bashan and Gilead as afore time.
Thy shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria, thy worthies are laid down: thy people is scattered abroad upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them together again.
I myself fed the slaughter sheep, and poor flock verily; and took unto me two staffs: the one I called 'Loving Meekness,' the other I called 'Woe.' And so I kept the sheep.
"Arise, O thou sword, upon my shepherd, and upon the prince of my people, sayeth the LORD of Hosts: Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad, and so will I turn mine hand to the little ones.
And with many such similitudes he preached the word unto them, after as they might hear it.
And he said unto them, "Come ye apart into the wilderness, and rest awhile." For there were many comers and goers, and that they had no leisure for so much as to eat.
"I have compassion on this people, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night.
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night.
"What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find him?
And he would fain have filled his belly with the cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him.
To him the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice; And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: For they know his voice.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flyeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. read more. The hired servant flyeth because he is a hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine.
And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater than all men; and no man is able to take them out of my father's hand.
I have yet many things to say unto you, But ye cannot bear them away now.
And now am I no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy father, keep in thine own name them which thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name. Those that thou gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, but that lost child: that the scripture might be fulfilled.
That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, "Of them which thou gavest me have I not lost one."
The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting testament,
Hastings
Morish
A person's wealth in the East frequently consisted of flocks, the shepherd therefore held an important and honourable position. David was a keeper of sheep. Joseph instructed his brethren to tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds, and they asked permission to dwell in Goshen, for every shepherd was an abomination to the Egyptians. This is supposed to have been caused by some 'shepherd-kings' having usurped authority over Egypt. The difficulties and hardships of a shepherd's life in the East may be gathered from what Jacob passed through during the time he was with Laban. Ge 31:39-40.
The sheep following the shepherd is a sight often witnessed in the East, and that each sheep has a name and knows the shepherd's voice, has been tested and proved again and again. All this is beautifully typical of the relation of Jehovah to Israel and of Christ to the church. The sheep of Christ know the good Shepherd's voice, and find salvation, liberty, and pasture in following the One who leads. The good Shepherd gives them eternal life, having given His life for the sheep. Christ is called the great Shepherd, for the work which He accomplished could have been done only by One who was Himself God, though become man to work out redemption.
In the church there are those who by reason of gift are called pastors, to feed and shepherd the sheep; but Christ is the chief Shepherd, who is over all, whose own the sheep are, and who has given His word that they shall never perish. Ps. 23; Zec 13:7; Joh 10:2-16; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 5:4; etc.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Whatsoever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand didst thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
"Arise, O thou sword, upon my shepherd, and upon the prince of my people, sayeth the LORD of Hosts: Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad, and so will I turn mine hand to the little ones.
He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice; And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. read more. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: For they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but will fly from him. For they know not the voice of strangers." This similitude spake Jesus unto them. But they understood not, what things they were, which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily I say unto you: that I am the door of the sheep. All, even as many as came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me, if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal and kill, and destroy. I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flyeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant flyeth because he is a hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine. As my father knoweth me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for the sheep, and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring, that they may hear my voice. And that there may be one flock, and one shepherd.
The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting testament,
Smith
Shepherd.
In a nomadic state of society every man, from the sheikh down to the slave, is more or less a shepherd. The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life. The occupation of tending the flocks was undertaken,not only by the sons of wealthy chiefs,
ff.; Gene 37:12 ff., but even by their daughters.
The Egyptian captivity did march to implant a love of settled abode, and consequently we find the tribes which still retained a taste for shepherd life selecting their own quarters apart from their brethren in the transjordanic district.
ff. Thenceforward in Palestine proper the shepherd held a subordinate position. The office of the eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible, was attended with much hardship, and even danger. He was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold,
his food frequently consisted of the precarious supplies afforded by nature, such as the fruit of the "sycamore" or Egyptian fig,
the "husks" of the carob tree,
Lu 15:16
and perchance the locusts and wild honey which supported the Baptist,
he had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, occasionally of the larger species, such as lions, nerves, panthers and bears,
1Sa 17:34; Isa 31:4; Jer 5:6; Am 5:12
nor was he free from the risk of robbers or predators hordes.
To meet these various foes the shepherd's equipment consisted of the following articles: a mantle, made probably of sheep skin with the fleece on, which he turned inside out in cold weather, as implied in the comparison in
(cf. Juv. xiv. 187.); a scrip or wallet, containing a small amount of food
a sling, which is still the favorite weapon of the Bedouin shepherd,
and lastly, a which served the double purpose of a weapon against foes and a crook for the management of the flock.
If the shepherd was at a distance from his home, he was provided with a light tent,
the removal of which was easily effected.
In certain localities, moreover, towers were erected for the double purpose of spying an enemy at a distance and of protecting the flock; such towers were erected by Uzziah and Jotham,
while their existence in earlier times is testified by the name Migdal-edar
Authorized Version "a tower of Edar;"
Authorized Version "tower of the flock." The routine of the shepherd's duties appears to have been as follows: In the morning he led forth his flock from the fold
Joh 10:4
which he did by going before them and calling to them, as is still usual in the East; arrived at the pasturage he watched the flock with the assistance of dogs,
and should any sheep stray, he had to search for it until he found it,
Eze 34:12; Lu 15:4
he supplied them with water, either at a running stream or at troughs attached to wells,
Ge 29:7; 30:38; Ex 2:16; Ps 23:2
at evening he brought them back to the fold, and reckoned them to see that none were missing, by passing them "under the rod" as they entered the door of the enclosure
checking each sheep, as it passed, by a motion of the hand,
and, finally, he watched the entrance of the fold throughout the night, acting as porter.
Joh 10:3
[See Sheepfold, under SHEEP] The shepherd's office thus required great watchfulness, particularly by night.
See Sheep
Lu 2:8
cf. Nahu 3:18 It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble,
particularly in driving them to and from the pasturage.
In large establishments there are various grades of shepherds, the highest being styled "rulers,"
or "chief shepherds,"
in a royal household the title of abbir "mighty," was bestowed on the person who held the post.
[SHEEP]
See Sheep
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And he said unto them, "Is he in good health?" And they said, "He is in good health: and behold, his daughter Rachel cometh with the sheep." And he said, "Lo, it is yet a great while to night, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water the sheep and go and feed them." read more. And they said, "We may not, until all the flocks be brought together, and the stone be rolled from the well's mouth, and so we water our sheep."
But he said unto him, "Thou knowest what service I have done thee, and in what taking thy cattle have been under me:
And he put the staves which he had peeled even before the sheep; in the gutters and watering troughs, when the sheep came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
Whatsoever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand didst thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
And he said unto him, "My lord knoweth that I have tender children, ewes and cows with young, under mine hand, which if men should overdrive but even one day, the whole flock would die.
The land of Egypt is open before thee: In the best place of the land make both thy father and thy brethren dwell. And even in the land of Goshen let them dwell. Moreover, if thou know any men of activity among them, make them rulers over my cattle."
And when the child was grown, she brought it unto Pharaoh's daughter, and it was made her son, and she called it Moses, "Because," said she, "I took him out of the water."
The priest of Midian had seven daughters which came and drew water and filled the troughs, for to water their father's sheep.
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad had an exceeding great multitude of cattle. And when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was an apt place for cattle,
Then said David unto Saul, "As thy servant kept his father's sheep, there came a Lion and likewise a Bear, and took a sheep out of the flock.
and took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of a brook and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, and in a poke; and took a sling in his hand, and went to the Philistine.
and took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of a brook and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, and in a poke; and took a sling in his hand, and went to the Philistine.
and took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of a brook and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, and in a poke; and took a sling in his hand, and went to the Philistine.
And there was there, the same day, a certain man of the servants of Saul abiding before the LORD named Doeg; an Edomite, the chiefest of Saul's herdsmen.
And he built towers in the wilderness and digged many wells. For he had much cattle, both in the valley and also in the plain; and plowmen and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved husbandry.
Moreover, he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the wood country he built castles and towers.
But now, they that are mine inferiors and younger than I, have me in derision; yea even they, whose fathers I would have thought scorn to have set with the dogs of my cattle.
He feedeth me in a green pasture, and leadeth me forth beside the waters of comfort.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
If thou know not thyself, O thou fairest among women, then go thy way forth after the footsteps of the sheep, and feed thy goats beside the shepherds' tents.
For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, "Like as the lion or lion's whelps roareth upon the prey that he hath gotten, and is not afraid though the multitude of shepherds cry out upon him, neither abashed for all the heap of them: So shall the LORD of Hosts come down from the mount Zion, and defend his hill.
Mine age is folden up together, and taken away from me, like a shepherd's cottage: my life is hewn off, like as a weaver cutteth off his web. While I was yet taking my rest, he hewed me off, and made an end of me in one day.'
He shall feed his flock like a herdsman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young.
Wherefore a lion out of the wood shall hurt them, and a wolf in the evening shall destroy them. The cat of the mountain shall lie lurking by their cities, to tare in pieces all them that come thereout. For their offenses are many, and their departing away is great.
in the cities upon the mountains; and in the cities that lie upon the plain and in the desert. In the land of Benjamin, in the fields of Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah shall the sheep be numbered again, under the hand of him that telleth them, sayeth the LORD.
yea, ye shall have no vineyards: but for all your time ye shall dwell in tents, that ye may live long in the land, wherein ye be strangers.'
He shall set fire upon the temples of the Egyptian gods, and burn them up, and take themselves prisoners. Moreover, he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, like as a shepherd putteth on his coat, and shall depart his way from thence in peace.
I will bring you under my jurisdiction, and under the bond of the covenant.
Like as a shepherd among the flock seeketh after the sheep that are scattered abroad, even so will I seek after my sheep, and gather them together out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
As for the multitude of your wickednesses and your stout sins, I know them right well. Enemies are ye of the righteous; ye take rewards; ye oppress the poor in judgment.
Amos answered, and said to Amaziah, "As for me I am neither prophet, nor prophet's son: but a keeper of cattle. Now as I was breaking down mulberries, and going after the cattle,
And unto thee, O thou tower of Eder, thou stronghold of the daughter Zion, unto thee shall it come: even the first lordship and kingdom of the daughter Jerusalem.
I myself fed the slaughter sheep, and poor flock verily; and took unto me two staffs: the one I called 'Loving Meekness,' the other I called 'Woe.' And so I kept the sheep.
This John had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins; his meat was locusts and wild honey.
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night.
"What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find him?
And he would fain have filled his belly with the cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him.
To him the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice; And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: For they know his voice.
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory.