Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7700 Leadership and the people of God » 7784 shepherd » 7786 shepherd, as king and leader
Shepherd was a standard term for a leader or king throughout the ancient world. In this sense it often appears in the Bible.
General term for a king or leader
Isaiah 44:28 The prophet describes this non-Jewish king as God's shepherd ; Jeremiah 6:3 See also 2 Samuel 7:7; Psalm 77:20; Isaiah 31:4; Jeremiah 12:10; Jeremiah 49:19; Jeremiah 50:44
The LORD as shepherd
Of Israel
Psalm 80:1 See also Genesis 49:24; Psalm 28:9; Isaiah 40:11
Of the individual
Psalm 23:1 See also Genesis 48:15
David as the model of a good shepherd
Experience as a real shepherd
Psalm 78:70-71 See also 1 Samuel 17:34-37; 2 Samuel 12:1-7 The king is brought to his senses by a “shepherd” story; Psalm 23:1-4
The shepherd faces death for his flock
2 Samuel 24:17 See also Exodus 32:32; John 10:11,15,17
David as a model of the coming Messiah
Ezekiel 34:23 See also Jeremiah 23:4-5; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5
A good shepherd as a leader “after God's own heart”
Jeremiah 3:15 See also Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:12
A bad shepherd
1 Kings 22:17
Criticisms of the shepherds of Israel
Jeremiah 23:1-2 See also Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 22:21-22; Ezekiel 34:1-10
See also
2230 Messiah, coming of 5085 David 5366 king 5509 rulers 7135 Israel, people of God 7735 leaders, political
