The Shepherd and His Sheep

Psalm 23: You may know the psalm, but how intimately do you know the Shepherd?

The story is told of a mutual improvement class, where it was a night for practicing reading, and the reading was Psalm 23. Two brothers in the class were called upon to read the psalm. Each read it faultlessly, but there was a subtle yet significant difference. The older brother was later asked privately about his reading, which was superior to the younger brother’s. The reply was simple but profound. “He knows the psalm, but I know the Shepherd.”

Psalm 23 is one of the Bible’s most well-known and beloved psalms. David expresses His trust in God’s provision and protection in a way that most in his culture would understand. For most of us to gain a similar appreciation, learning more about shepherds and sheep will help. We all do grasp sheep metaphors such as: 

• Black sheep (bad person), 
• Counting sheep (sleeping aid), 
• Sheepish (shy), 
• People follow like sheep (blindly following), 
• A wolf in sheep’s clothing (looks harmless but extremely dangerous), 
• Lost sheep (one who has strayed and is at risk).

Sheep herding was a common profession in ancient Israel and was vital to the economy and society. Shepherds were highly valued and respected because of their character and skills. Their jobs required knowledge and wisdom about husbandry, agriculture, meteorology, astronomy, medicine, defense against wild animals, year-round outdoor living, and herding. Society appreciated their bravery, hard work, and dedication. They were conscientious, tough men, yet very mature. Part of the training for young boys was to spend time with a shepherd. Shepherding was essential to the economy for wool, meat, and milk. Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David were all shepherds.

All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray

Sheep are among the few animals that require human involvement to survive. For several reasons, sheep need a shepherd.

• Sheep are prey animals and are thus vulnerable to attack from wolves, lions, bears, coyotes, etc. They lack self-defense skills. Have you ever seen sheep growl or show their teeth? Or maybe bark, bite, run fast, shoot quills, or extend their claws? But they do have a few things in their defensive arsenal. When sheep are frightened by noise, such as running water, they will always run away together as a whole group, whereas individually, they are defenseless. Also, sheep kick. An ewe is especially prone to kicking if she is protecting her young. Other than these two defense mechanisms, sheep are like a Snickers bar waiting to be eaten by a wolf if they don’t stick together—like an ecclesial family. Therefore, shepherds like David, who protected his sheep from the lion and the bear, are needed in the ecclesia.
• Sheep are herd animals that need guidance and direction to find food, water, and shelter. Sheep have no sense of direction. They will follow whoever leads them, even if that leader walks off a cliff. Remember the question: “If your friend jumps off a cliff, would you do so too?” Well, sheep would! In Eastern Turkey, about 1,500 unattended sheep fell off a cliff while the shepherds ate breakfast far away from the flock. The first 400 fell to their death in a ravine, but the remaining 1100 did not die because the first 400 broke the fall. The first 400 sheep were a big fluffy cushion for the other sheep! The sheep in the back couldn’t pass the sheep in the front because they were unaware of what was ahead; the sheep in front couldn’t stop because the sheep in the back were pushing them forward. The proverbial “blind leading the blind.” A farmer tells another story about sheep. He said if you have a flock of sheep in a barn, stretch a rope across the door before you let them out. When the sheep come out of the barn, the first few will jump over the rope. If you cut the rope, the remaining sheep will still jump over the “invisible rope” because it’s what the rest of the flock did.Similarly, how often do we follow someone leading us in the wrong direction or acting foolishly? Or do we imitate them because we think it’s the thing to do? Can you see why the LORD compares us to sheep in the Bible? “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6).1 Hence, a shepherd guides his flock to safe and productive areas for grazing and water sources.
• The shepherd monitors the flock’s health and provides medical care when necessary. He performs vital services such as giving medication or treating wounds. When sheep get a wound or a bite, they can’t care for themselves. Other animals lick a wound until it heals, but not sheep. They need a shepherd to tend to their injuries. A salve would often need to be put on their leg, possibly binding the wound. A diligent shepherd would look after the wound constantly until it healed completely.How many times has our LORD looked after our wounds and treated them? Often, we are brokenhearted and need His healing. As Psalm 147:3 NET states: “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
• Shepherds manage a flock’s breeding program and ensure the best animals are selected for breeding. This decision improves the health and productivity of the flock over time. Remember the story of Jacob and Laban’s sheep (Genesis 31:1-13).
• Sheep often get separated from the flock, especially if they are in an unfamiliar environment or startled by something. If lost, they have difficulty finding their way back because they lack a keen sense of direction (no GPS!). Once again, they need the shepherd’s help. At this juncture, the sheep’s stupidity ends. Sheep have a remarkable instinct for knowing the voice of the shepherd. Because they are emotional animals, they can detect strangers. Amazingly, they will fear a stranger’s voice and flee. They will also stick up for each other when a fight occurs. They can also easily become anxious or distressed and feel grief when other sheep die.There probably is a breakdown in the analogy here. When the LORD compares us to sheep in the Bible, we find that we aren’t always so loyal, we don’t routinely stick up for friends, and we struggle many times to recognize the shepherd’s voice. “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints; let them not turn back to folly.” (Psalm 85:8 ESV).
• Sheep grow between two to thirty pounds of wool and need to be sheared, or they will have problems. Their thick wool coats keep them warm in chilly weather, but in warm weather, this can cause them to overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or even death. Unshorn sheep are more susceptible to parasites such as lice, ticks, and flies. Moisture can become trapped in the wool, creating an environment conducive to fungus growth. They can become immobilized by the thickness of wool, leading to starvation or dehydration. Plus, sheep can’t get up without help. Sometimes, sheep turn over on their backs (like a turtle) with their legs flailing in the air. There is an old English shepherd term for that. It is called “cast down.” A “cast sheep” is a pitiful sight. It will die if the shepherd does not lift the sheep and put it back on its feet. It is entirely helpless to predators around it when in this position. Plus, it could get left behind when the flock moves on.How many times have we been “cast down” or “flailing on our backs”? “He will tend His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11 ESV).
• Sheep will settle for less. When thirsty, they will stop at a dirty puddle right in front of them instead of going for the clean still waters twenty feet ahead of them. Sadly, they are content with filth as long as it satisfies them in the moment. Also, they will stink and never even know it. Truthfully, they lack discernment and judgment and don’t even know what is good for them.Are we so different? We often see a dirty puddle (sin) and go straight for it because we think there is life in it. We believe we will be refreshed, but we become poisoned and stinky!

We are His Flock

Hopefully, this information will help us better understand the comparison of our LORD’s relationship with His people outlined in Psalm 23. Sheep are very dependent upon a shepherd, just as we are with our LORD. The first step in having a relationship with God is accepting that we need His help. This mindset is called “humility.” The Scripture refers to us as sheep, not as lions. We need our LORD’s help, or like sheep, we will suffer.

So, what can we learn from Psalm 23? “The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want.” (ESV) Our LORD will guide, direct, feed, heal, and protect His own. Our LORD is with us as our provider and protector, so we shall not want. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” The LORD provides physical and spiritual substance, refreshment, and rest.

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3 ESV) When we face difficult situations, or sin causes us to lose our way, the LORD is there to restore us. The phrase “for your Name’s sake” emphasizes that the LORD restores and guides His followers. Not just for their own benefit but also for the sake of His own reputation and honor. It reminds us that all our actions and experiences should ultimately center on honoring and glorifying the LORD.

Life can be difficult when we walk through the darkest valley, which represents times of trial and hardship. The LORD is with us. David acknowledges that he does not need to fear because the LORD is with him, and His presence and guidance bring comfort and reassurance. The rod and staff represent the power and defense of the LORD. The rod used by a shepherd was a sturdy wooden pole that was used as a weapon to fend off wild animals.

We know young David used the rod because he told King Saul about the incidents in which he kept his father’s sheep from the lion and the bear. The staff was a long, thin pole frequently hooked at the end and was primarily used to guide the flock. Sheep are infamous for straying; once they are not under the shepherd’s close supervision, they can get into all kinds of problems. 

Sound familiar? 

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” The LORD prepares a table before us, even in the presence of our enemies. This represents the LORD’s provision and care, even in difficult circumstances. Our LORD anoints us with oil, which is a symbol of blessing and provision. And the “table” also reminds us of the Table of our Lord, with the bread and wine.

“Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6 ESV) David concludes by expressing his confidence that the LORD’s goodness and lovingkindness will follow him all the days of his life. Thereby, he will continue to experience the LORD’s care, provision, and protection.

The Psalm ends with the hope of dwelling in the house of the LORD forever, Eternal life in the LORD’s presence. Psalm 23 can also give us comfort by posing these questions to ourselves each day:

• Do You Want Faith?—The LORD Is My Shepherd.
• Do You Want Assurance?—I Shall Not Be In Want.
• Do You Want Contentment?—He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures.
• Do You Want Peace?—He Leads Me Beside The Still Waters.
• Do You Want Life?—He Restores My Soul.
• Do You Want Divine Guidance?—He Guides Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Names Sake.
• Do You Want Confidence?—Even Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death.
• Do You Want Courage?—I Will Fear No Evil.
• Do You Want Companionship?—For You Are With Me.
• Do You Want Comfort?—Your Rod And Your Staff, They Comfort Me.
• Do You Want Providence?—You Prepare A Table Before Me In The Presence Of My Enemies.
• Do You Want Favor?—You Anoint My Head With Oil.
• Do You Want Happiness?—My Cup Overflows.
• Do You Want Blessings?—Surely Goodness And Mercy Will Follow Me All The Days Of My Life.
• Do You Want Immortality?—And I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord Forever.

Gerald Eising,
Ann Arbor Ecclesia, MI