Names of God: Shepherd

The Lord is referred to as the shepherd.  A shepherd is a person who guides or directs in a particular direction and tends or rears sheep.

A shepherd stays with his sheep to guide them, while going after the lost sheep.

The best known verse is “The Lord is my shepherd” in Psalm 23:1.  The verse speaks of all the shepherd does for us such as making us lie in green pastures, leading beside still waters, restoring my soul, leading in the path of righteousness and anointing our head with oil, which a shepherd would do to his sheep when their horns were caught.

Surprisingly there are only a few additional passages which include shepherd.

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel”  Psalm 80:1

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:25

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”  1 Peter 5:4