SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL

The first mention of Israel’s Shepherd, Gen. 49. 24, comes from Jacob, himself a shepherd. Out of his own experience, he understood the intensity of God’s care for his own. Jacob recognized that a shepherd’s care had overseen his son’s life. As with Joseph, the Shepherd provides preservation and strength for His people in times of trial. Israel’s Shepherd provided both guidance and sustenance through the Scriptures. This psalm calls on the Shepherd of Israel, the only time this title is used. In the repeated refrain, vv. 3, 7,19, the psalmist intercedes for both restoration and salvation. These passages may summarize the ministry of Israel’s Shepherd. The lack of this care amounted to a national crisis, Ezek. 34. 5, 8; Matt. 9. 36.

Psalm 80 recalls the days when Israel journeyed through the desert, in formation, with the ark in the midst. Ephraim’s standard followed the ark. The tribes under that standard were Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh, mentioned in verse 2. The psalmist reflects on the blessings of the Shepherd’s presence among His people. He longs for a renewed display of that in his own day and well might we desire the same. This presents the Shepherd among the flock in Old Testament days.

The Gospels present the Shepherd in the fold. It was the One born in Bethlehem, of whom it was recorded, He ‘shall shepherd my people Israel’, Matt. 2. 6 JND. In fulfilment of Scripture, He entered by the door into the national fold, John 10. 2. When he was shunned by the nation, He led His responsive sheep to another fold. When He was smitten by Jehovah’s sword, the national sheep were scattered, Matt. 26. 31. But, devoted Shepherd that He was, He laid down His life so that by one man’s death ‘the whole nation perish not’, John 11. 50.

Prophecy presents the Shepherd in the future. One day the Lord will personally assume the shepherd care of His people, Ezek. 34.11. When Israel’s God comes, Isa. 40. 9-11, He will be the same One who was born in Bethlehem - Jehovah’s companion who was smitten at Calvary. He will divide the Gentiles and determine their destiny, Matt. 25. 32. With a shepherd’s tender care, He will graze, gather, guard, and guide His people, Isa. 40.11; Jer. 31.10.