New Torrey's Topical Textbook: Rev. R. A. Torrey

Shepherds

• Early mention of Gen. 4:2
• Usually carried a scrip or bag 1 Sam. 17:40
• Carried a staff or rod Lev. 27:32; Ps. 23:4
• Dwelt in tents while tending their flocks Song 1:8; Isa. 38:12
• Members of the family both male and female acted as Gen. 29:6; 1 Sam. 16:11, 17:15
• Had hired keepers under them 1 Sam. 17:20
• The unfaithfulness of hireling, alluded to Jn. 10:12
• Care of the sheep by, exhibited in
  • Knowing them Jn. 10:14
  • Going before and leading them Ps. 77:20, 78:52, 80:1
  • Seeking out good pasture for them 1 Chr. 4:39-41; Ps. 23:2
  • Numbering them when they return from pasture Jer. 33:13
  • Watching over them by night Lk. 2:8
  • Tenderness to the ewes in lamb, and to the young Gen. 33:13, 14; Ps. 78:71
  • Defending them when attacked by wild beasts 1 Sam. 17:34-36; Amos 3:12
  • Searching them out when lost and straying Ezek. 34:12; Lk. 15:4, 5
  • Attending them when sick Ezek. 34:16
• An abomination to the Egyptians Gen. 46:34
• Illustrative
  • Of God as leader of Israel Ps. 77:20, 80:1
  • Of Christ as the good shepherd Ezek. 34:23; Zech. 13:7; Jn. 10:14; Heb. 13:20
  • Of kings as the leaders of the people Isa. 44:28; Jer. 6:3, 49:19
  • Of ministers of the gospel Jer. 23:4
  • (Searching out straying sheep,) of Christ seeking the lost Ezek. 34:12; Lk. 15:2-7
  • (Their care and tenderness,) of tenderness of Christ Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34:13-16
  • (Ignorant and foolish,) of bad ministers Isa. 56:11; Jer. 50:6; Ezek. 34:2, 10; Zech. 11:7, 8, 15-17