“The LORD is my Shepherd”

Have you ever heard God referred to as a Shepherd?

Jehovah-Rohi: this name for God is found a few places in the Old Testament but is probably most well-known in Psalm 23. David wrote this song some three thousand years ago, and many of us today, whether a believer or not, are familiar with it.

In fact, I think it may be a part of our collective memory. So much so, that we no longer hear the words and the profound promise within its song.

My friend, hear these words about Jehovah Rohi,

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23

In the Old Testament, when the LORD is in all capital letters, the Hebrew word is YHWH- called the Tetragrammaton, and is the most revered name of God. Today, YHWH is pronounced Yahweh (or replaced with Jehovah). But the Jewish people didn’t say it out loud and they still don’t. The name was so revered and unspoken that we no longer know how it was originally pronounced.

I heard someone say once that maybe YHWH is pronounced like a breath, like a sigh. That’s a beautiful thought.

Ra’ah is the root word from “shepherd” in Hebrew and means “to feed.” David, being the youngest brother, was a shepherd for much of his life as a child and teen. Shepherds were the lowliest, the dirty job of ancient Israel.

Yet, this was David’s job. And, also, how he saw God.

Throughout the Bible, God is called the Shepherd of Israel. And in the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John 10:14

Why is God, the Creator of all, the great Yahweh, calling Himself a shepherd?

Let’s think about this-
A shepherd does not really sleep.
His greatest job is that of tending his sheep.
He is always watchful.
He is protector.
Provider.
Healer.
Leader.
He would give his life to protect those in his care.

To God-as to David- He does not care how dirty the job is. He loves you. He walks with you. He watches over you. He never sleeps on the job. He is not uncertain about the way to go. He does not get afraid of the dark. He does not worry about the obstacles ahead.

Yes, we all have dark valleys. But His rod and staff protect His children and will see them through. And He is always leading you back to the quiet stream, the calm waters, the green pastures. He is preparing a table of all that you need. He is overflowing your cup.

But still, it’s hard, isn’t it? Do you even wonder which way to go? Do you ever fear the path ahead?

Stop and let Jehovah Rohi. He sets the table. He goes before and behind. Yes, there is heaven to look forward to. A place of peace and joy.

But there is also today. Let Him be your Shepherd today.

That is a beautiful promise of peace.

Heidi xoxo 🐑 ❤️