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One of the most common biblical images is that of a shepherd and his sheep. We may be so used to hearing “The LORD is my shepherd” from Psalm 23, or Jesus’ statement “I am the good shepherd” that we may not realize there is a depth of cultural meaning behind those words. This cultural background helps to explain who God is as our Shepherd, and who we are His sheep.
This three-part series will dig into these realities. This first part looks at the cultural context of shepherding. Part Two will see how shepherd imagery is used in Scripture, and finally Part Three will explore what it means for us to be sheep.In biblical times, the Promised Land greatly varied in terms of its ability to be used for agriculture. Some region could be irrigated and were practical for farming. Others were desert wilderness lacking any type of plant life. In between were the regions that were too hilly, rocky, and arid for farming, yet had the grasses and shrubs that would provide nourishment for sheep and goats. Herding flocks was a way to make these areas productive, to support the economy, and to provide animals for sacrifice at the Temple.The biblical shepherds who most come to mind for us may be those tending their flocks at night, listening to angels and watching a star. This is an idyllic scene of joy and peace that is wonderful for Christmas cards. The reality of shepherding life, however, was, and today still is, quite different.Through its iconic imagery, Psalm 23 provides a wonderful explanation of the responsibilities of shepherd:-
Know where to find the “green pastures” – This means knowing which plants are thriving through the changing seasons while ensuring the flock doesn’t over-graze and wipe out an important food source. Shepherds might move their flock several times a day and change primary pasturing locations through the year.
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Know where there is “water” – Flocks need to be within 10 miles of water in the summer months, so a shepherd has to ensure they do not venture too far from this necessary refreshment.
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Know the “right paths” – Mountainous land can mean cliff-like drops. If the flock is outside overnight, the shepherd might lead to them to pre-made pens comprised of rocks and caves. If the flock returns to the village, the shepherd has to be able to get them back by the appointed time.
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Provide the “comfort” of protection – Between the sheep and the thieves or wild animals (wolves, bears, and lions) stands only the shepherd. His staff is used to beat back enemies, and, like David, he might use another weapon such as a sling.
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Provide the “comfort” and “rest” of nurturing the flock – The staff also keeps individual sheep in line and helps those who are trapped. Pregnant and nursing sheep need a slower pace with more food and water. Animals with illness needed extra care. Thus, the shepherd had to be aware of who in the flock requires more attention and/or rest.
As Timothy S. Laniak describes in his book Shepherds After My Own Heart: “All of the elements – the movement, the isolation, the variety, the adjustments, the demands – contributed to a knowledge base and ‘skill set’ that distinguished shepherds as remarkably and broadly capable persons. They were known for independence, resourcefulness, adaptability, courage, and vigilance. Their profession cultivated a capacity for attentiveness, self-sacrifice, and compassion.”Throughout the ancient world, rulers were associated with shepherds. The crook, or staff with a curved end, became a symbol of their authority. We see this, for example, in the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun.
In our Catholic custom, our bishops likewise have a crozier shaped like a crook. This symbolizes the bishop’s responsibility to his flock as the shepherd, and his authority to key at bay those who would attack with false teaching.
We might think of the staff as mere symbol, or something used only in history or in the third world today. Yet, when modern British shepherd James Rebanks, in his book The Shepherd’s View, talks about the challenges of modern shepherding, he also states that the staff is his most important tool to care for his sheep!
Pulling together the cultural context of shepherding, both ancient and new, we see a shepherd is a leader who is knowledgeable of the individual sheep of his flock. He must also know what dangers are lurking and what resources are at hand. He must be willing to fight off enemies that would attack the flock, and he must extend extra care for those less advantaged within the flock.This is a nurturing, protective, and proactive role. In Part Two we will see how God’s Word explores these aspects of shepherding. -
