From the Bible we can gain an understanding of the nature of the animal. In 2Samuel 12:3 we see that sheep were understood to be affectionate. From Isaiah 53:7, Jeremiah 11:19 and John 10:34, sheep are non-aggressive. From Micah 5:8 and Matthew 10:16 sheep are relatively defenceless and, most importantly, in Numbers 27:17, Ezekiel 34:5 and Matthew 9:36 and 26:31 we note that they were in need of constant care and supervision. In the Old Testament, when a shepherd and his flock were discussed, it was usually in the literal sense. In the New Testament, however, it was nearly always in the figurative. In the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) on page 464, it quotes Psalm 95:7: We are the people of his [God’s] Pasture, and the sheep of his hand. And it goes on to say: These familiar words use a common biblical metaphor that emphasises the utter dependence of human beings upon God for their existence, survival, and welfare. The Figure gives glad recognition both to the needs of human beings as creatures and to God’s sufficiency as the creator and provider for all human needs. (referring to 2Sam. 24:17, 1Chr. 21:17, Ps 78:52, Ezek. 34:31, Zech. 11:4-17, 13:7 and John 10:10-15). From this we can see the similarities between the literal and metaphorical relationships between sheep and the people of God.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 12:58:30 +0000
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