Chapter 13 - Shepherd Yahweh is my Shepherd
Psalms 23:1
Throughout the Bible God is compared to an ox, eagle, king, and a parent, among others, as we have previously discussed. Probably the most common imagery ascribed to God in the Bible is that of a shepherd. In the previous chapter we saw the Hebraic similarities to God as a deliverer and a shepherd. In this chapter we will examine the Hebraic understanding of a shepherd and his interaction with the flock. The standard Hebrew word for a “shepherd” is “h[r” (ra’ah) derived from the parent root “[r” (ra’). The ancient pictographic form for this parent root is “or,” the pictures of a man and an eye meaning, “a man watches.” As we saw in the last chapter, the shepherd intently watches over his flock, this function can also be seen in this word. This parent root also has the meaning of a “friend.” The Shepherd is not a distant ruler or overseer, but a constant companion and friend to the flock. He spends more time with his flock; traveling to watering holes and green pastures, then he does with his own family. Our relationship with God is meant to be this type of relationship, where we become intimate friends with our guardian, protector and provider.
Gathering the flock The parent root “lq/lq” (qal) is formed by combining the picture of the sun at the horizon, meaning draw in, with the picture of a shepherd staff. The combined meaning is “to draw to the shepherd staff.” The child root “lwq” (qol) is translated as “voice” and it is the voice of the shepherd that calls the flock to be drawn toward his staff (the sign of his authority). Another child root derived from this parent root is “lhq” (qahal) meaning, “assemble.” This word is used throughout the Bible for the “assembly” or “congregation” of Israel, the sheep who hear the voice of their shepherd Yahweh.
“These words Yahweh spoke to all your assembly (lhq - a gathering flock) with a great voice (lwq - voice of the shepherd) from in the midst of the fiery cloud on the mountain.”
Deuteronomy 5:22 In this passage we can clearly see the imagery of the shepherd calling his sheep. When the voice of Yahweh (the shepherd) came from the mountain, all of Israel (the sheep) gathered in front of the mountain (the staff) to hear his words.
Yeshua also identifies himself as the shepherd who calls his sheep.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:27-28 (NIV) Yeshua and his Assembly
Around 250 BC, the Old Testament was translated into a Greek text called the Septuagint. These translators used the Greek word ekklesia meaning, “assembly,” to translate the Hebrew word “lhq” (qahal). This same Greek word is also found throughout the New Testament and is translated into English as “church.”
‘‘And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ekklesia/qahal - the assembly of sheep).”
Matthew 16:18 (NIV) The church that Yeshua calls to himself is his flock which he watches over, protects and provides for. As the shepherd, he is also the friend and companion to the flock.
Discipline
We are going to look at four Hebrew words that impart the idea of “discipline.” When looking at these words from a Hebraic perspective we are able to see into the Hebrews’ world and how they saw the concept of “discipline” with a concrete understanding. From the parent root “~l” (lam - shepherd staff), the ancient name for the letter “l/l” (L), comes the adopted root “dml” (lamad - shepherd staff), the modern Hebrew name for the letter “l/l” (L). Both words mean, “shepherd’s staff,” which the shepherd always carries for guiding, leading and protecting the flock. This staff was also used to push or pull one from the flock that is not following the correct path.
“The day that you stood before Yahweh your God in Horeb, In his speaking to me, assemble (lhq) before me the people and they will listen to my words that they will learn (dml) to fear me all they days that they live over the land and they will also cause their sons to learn (dml).”
Deuteronomy 4:10 This form of discipline is the pushing and pulling of the student/son/sheep toward the correct direction that he is to take. The second word is “@la” (alaph) which is literally the yoking together of two oxen. This word is also an adopted root and is from the parent root “la” (el) discussed previously, meaning ox. The younger ox learns from the older ox, to which he is yoked. This form of discipline is learning by association where the student/son learns by watching and working along side the teacher/father. This can also work in a negative sense as in the following passage.
“Do not make friends with a hottempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn (@la) his ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV) The next word is “rsy” (yasar) from the parent root “rs/rx” (sar). The pictographs in this root are a thorn, which causes one to turn from its pain, and the head of a man. Combined they mean, “to turn the man.” This form of discipline is a chastising with blows or words to cause the student/son to change directions.
“Discipline (rsy) your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”
Proverbs 29:17 (NIV) The last word is “!nX” (shanan). This word literally means, “to sharpen.” In order for a knife to be sharp it must be carefully and consistently run across a stone. This form of discipline is the sharpening of skills by the student/son. The duties and responsibilities given to the student/son foster the learning of the necessary skills to survive.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress (!nX) them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lay down and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
God uses these four principles of discipline on us; his children. We are to learn them from him, follow his methodology and likewise raise our children in a god like manner.
