The Shepherd and Sheep

The sheep-fold (picture below) which protected the sheep by a wall had thorny branches placed on it. In this way it was ensured that predators could not attack and kill sheep and thieves could not steal the sheep.

The sheep-fold was often built around a cave (just as in the picture), and a stone wall was built around the sheep-fold. The sheep were taken overnight to the sheep-fold. The shepherd settled himself to lie all night in the doorway and in this way the shepherd was like the door of the sheep-fold.

The Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) is our Good Shepherd who takes good care of His sheep.

The Shepherd in the picture below sheds oil onto the head of the sheep. Oil protected sheep from sunstroke. Oil was also added to cuts on the sheep, caused by thorny branches.

The Shepherd Psalm 23 verse 5 says how the Good Shepherd (The Lord) anoints the heads of the sheep with oil. Oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. God anoints His nation with the Holy Spirit, in which we have safety against sin and corruption of this world. The Holy Spirit cares for our wounds, which the world inflicts onto us.

The picture below shows a shepherd carrying a lamb in his arms. The Shepherd carries and holds the lambs, so that the lamb learnt to know the shepherd and his voice. The lamb learnt to trust the shepherd and it followed the shepherd wherever the shepherd went.

When God saves people, the place of the new-born is in the arms of God where he gets good affectionate care of the Shepherd.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me

The task of the shepherd was to lead the sheep to green pastures, in which the sheep would eat. The task of the shepherd was also to find a place for them to drink.

When the fog appeared the shepherd and sheep were not always able to see each other. Then the shepherd knocks his rod to the rocks and the sheep would know that they are under the protection of the shepherd and safe. The rod is also a weapon against predators.

The shepherd had a sling, which he used as a weapon against predators.