The SHEPHERD's Equipment

[WISDOM]

Our FATHER's Word abounds with symbolism pertaining to shepherds and sheep (as if YOU didn't notice). Because the ancient Hebrews were a pastoral people, such sumbolism spoke vividly to them. The application of the spiritual truths thus portrayed was easy and completely natural to them. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST designated HIMSELF as the GOOD SHEPHERD, and using this symbol, HE taught some precious truths that have stood the test of time and spanned all the way down through modern history for YOU and I today. The New Testament Apostles referred to CHRIST as their GREAT SHEPHERD (Hebrews 13:20) and CHIEF SHEPHERD (1 Peter 5:4), and regarded HIM as being related to them as a shepherd is to his sheep.

In the Old Testament, our LORD revealed HIMSELF to HIS people as a Shepherd (Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekial 34:12). For me, the chief passage that comes to mind in this connection is undoubtedly the 23rd Psalm. I believe this is one of the richest, sweetest, and most love portions of the entire Bible. But, let me ask all of you.....just what does SHEPHERD say to us in our modern, computerized age? To one raised on a farm, it obviously conveys meaning that is not as readily grasped by the city dweller. To one who has been in the Bible lands and has lived in the culture of the Near East, it says even more.

Let me describe briefly the usual equipment of a shepherd in Bible times and then point out some of the rich lessons I've learned based on this knowledge. ROD and STAFF (Psalm 23:4): Why did the thought of a shepherd's rod and staff comfort the king? Some seem to think the terms apply to the same instruments, and consequently, they have been intertranslated. But this is not rreally correct. The Hebrew words used, though similar, are definitely NOT identical. Such passages as Jeremiah 48:17 differentiate between the two quite clearly.

The ROD is basically a club about 30 inches in length, usually with a knob on the larger end formed from the bulb at the root of the little tree from which it is made. This knob might be studded with heavy-headed iron nails or even with flint, thus making it a formidable weapon. When dexterously swung by a skillful hand, it can be used effectively to maul an adversary. Or it might be flung at an enemy in somewhat the same manner as a boomerang is thrown by an Australian bushman. A hole is made in the smaller, handle end, through which a cord is drawn so the rod can be hung from the shepherd's wrist or fastened to his belt.

Shepherds carry/carried these rods for the express purpose of protecting their sheep (and themselves) from marauding animals or assaulting humans...."thieves and robbers" (John 10:8). David must have used such a rod when he killed the lion and the bear that came to attack his father's sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-36). No wonder he wrote in Psalm 23 that the rod of the LORD comforted him. It gave him a sense of protection and security and, therefore, comfort. On the other hand, the STAFF is a kind of walking stick, about six feet in length, usually plain and straight but sometimes with a fork or crook at one end. It is used to aid the shepherd in walking over the rough terrain, climbing hills, or clambering over rocks. It is also used to guide the sheep or even to punish them. A staff with a crook on the end is used by the shepherd to lift a sheep/lamb from a crevice between the dangerous rocks. Also used to count the sheep as they pass under it while entering the fold at the close of the day.

JESUS, in keeping with this, assures YOU and I that HE knows HIS own "sheep" by name. Looking at the SLING, I will note that it was the device which David used in killing the giant Goliath. It was a common part of the shepherd's equipment. Of the men of the tribe of Benjamin it is stated in the Word that every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss....(Judges 20:16), indicating their skill and dexterity in the use of the sling. It consisted of two woven strings about 15 or 16 inches in length, fastened to a small, diamond-shaped, leather pad or pouch. This pouch had a small slit in the middle so that when a stone was pressed into it, it closed around it like a bag. When thrown, the stone hurled through the air at great speed and with deadly power.

Looking at this we can conclude that our security as Christians is guaranteed by our GREAT SHEPHERD, WHO will not flee when the "wolves or hyenas" come to attack HIS "sheep" BUT will PROTECT us night and day. HIS "sling" will simultaneously ROUT the Enemy and PROTECT us, HIS "flock". Now, the SCRIP is a bag made of skin, carried over the shepherd's shoulder by means of a heavy cord, in which he carries his supply of food, money and other valuables. They also carried other emergency items for the care of injured or sick sheep, since they must be both physician AND surgeon to their flocks.

Our SHEPHERD/LORD/SAVIOUR has HIS "scrip" FULL of EMERGENCY SUPPLIES for ALL HIS "lambs and sheep" so that we need not worry, fear, or panic, regardless of what may threaten to befall YOU and I! How about the Shepherd's PIPE? They frequently carried a reed pipe or flute on which they played music. Often while the flock lies resting around watering places, the shepherd, after eating his meal, takes out his pipe and plays both for his own amusement and for the soothing effect it has on his sheep. He may also sing to himself and to them as he rests in the heat of the day or in the twilight of evening. The sheep "know his voice" (John 10:4), and they enjoy hearing it!

The Shepherd's CLOAK is a large, flowing, robelike garment made of heavy, hand-woven wool, either dyed or natural. Some included a hood like that of a cape, which pulled up over the head in wet or cold weather, but permitted to hang down the wearer's back at other times. Often the hood (still today) is used as a sort of knapsack in that position. When night comes, the shepherd pulls the hood over his head, draws in his arms and hands, and curls up his feet inside the warm robe, the garment thus becoming his blanket and bed. If YOU will read Exodus 22:26-27 it'll probably make this clearer.

Since this garment is always large and loose-fitting, there is ample space in the bosom area to carry or to hold a newborn lamb, and often a sick or injured one is carried here while the shepherd is nursing it back to health. The warmth of the SHEPHERD's OWN Body helps to promote healing and health. It was with this in mind that the prophet Isaiah beautifully portrayed the GRACE of JEHOVAH-MESSIAH in the words of Isaiah 40:11.