Shepherd

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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(herder of sheep). A highly honorable occupation among pastoral Hebrews, engaged in by both sexes (Gen. 29:6; 30:29-35; Ex. 2:16-22). Often arduous and dangerous employment (Gen. 31:40; 1 Sam. 17:34). Equipment consisted of a sheepskin mantle, a scrip or wallet, a sling and crook. He led the flock to pasture in the morning, tended them by day and folded and watched them at night (Job 30:1; Luke 2:8; John 10:4). The office of sheep-master or chief shepherd was one of great trust as well as honor (2 Kings 3:4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4). It was the shepherd’s duty to count the sheep daily and to tithe them, and he was held responsible for lost ones (Gen. 31:38-39; Ex. 22:12-13; Isa. 27:32; Jer. 33:13). Shepherd is used figuratively for Jehovah (Psa. 80:1; Jer. 31:10); for kings (Ezek. 34:10); in N. T. for Christ (John 10:11; Heb. 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4). It is applied also to teachers in the synagogue and to those who preside over it. Hence pastor and minister of the gospel.