In biblical times, shepherds would gather their animals into a sheepfold, a round enclosure that provided protection against thieves and wild animals. The only entrance was a narrow opening called the “gate,” which had no door. Instead, the shepherd obstructed the opening with their own body. This is precisely what Jesus meant when he said: “I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7).
The bond between a shepherd and their flock is even imbedded in Hebrew! The Hebrew word for “shepherd” is ro’eh (רֹעֵה). This is closely related to another Hebrew word, re’ah (רֵעַ) meaning “companion.” Thus, Hebrew affirms the idea that shepherds guard their flock out of fellowship and devotion.
It is not surprising that many of the great biblical leaders were shepherds: Abraham, David and Moses, to name just a few. Of course, that was then and this is now...We don't have real life shepherds today. That's why so many of our flock go astray.
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