The Heavenly Father as The Great Shepherd
The previous post provided an abbreviated overview of the occupation of shepherding and its importance for the well-being of sheep. In this series, we are surveying what the Bible reveals about shepherds, the standard set by Almighty God as the Divine Shepherd, the example of congregational shepherds, and the role of fathers as family shepherds.
In the 23rd Psalm, King David, the former shepherd boy, lyrically describes God’s loving care for Him as his Divine Shepherd. It is imagery his contemporaries would easily understand. In this beautiful song of praise, we get a glimpse of the loving care David’s God provided for David.
I grouped Psalm 23 into four stanzas—the first three focus on aspects of the Great Shepherd’s care for David. The final one is a testimony of David’s faith-filled confidence in an eternal future in the presence of God.
Stanza 1 – Provision
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. – Psalm 23:1-3
David wrote and sang this praise of the LORD God for being his Shepherd who faithfully provided for all his needs.
In the first stanza, David expressed absolute confidence that just as a human shepherd makes sure the sheep have plenty of tender grass to eat, quiet water from which to drink, and a safe place to sleep comfortably, Jehovah Jireh (“The Lord my provider”) would be the supplier of all his daily needs.
He had no lack of food, water, or rest for his body or soul as he followed His Shepherd’s leading.
Stanza 2 – Protection
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
David felt complete safety and security as he followed his Divine Shepherd through dark and dangerous passages where evil lurked, not even fearing death. His assurance came from knowing his Shepherd was near and armed with a powerful rod and staff.
The rod is a short, heavy club, often with a knob on the end, sometimes studded with nails. The staff was long enough to keep predators at a distance. With those weapons, a shepherd fights off wild animals and human predators that threaten the sheep. David was comforted knowing his Shepherd would never use His weaponry against him, but to bludgeon his enemies.
Stanza 3 – Blessings, and Healing
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. – Psalm 23:5
Blessings
In verse 5a, David wrote and sang about having a Shepherd who provided him with a banquet of spiritual blessings, even though his enemies surrounded him. While his foes, both the four-legged and two-legged kind, were seeking to destroy him, Jehovah Jireh was providing everything David needed in abundance as they watched. “In yo’ face!” kids might say.
Healing
During the course of the day, sheep can get cuts on their heads from certain plants due to their sharp burr-like structures. They are also in danger from pests that can infect their eyes, nose, and ears.
As a shepherd pours oil upon the head of the sheep to heal their physical injuries and to protect them from parasites, David, despite being a king, continually experienced wounds and dangers, making spiritual “oil” a personal necessity for him. In verse 5b, David testified to the Great Shepherd’s tender loving care.
- Soothed Wounds: David suffered intense emotional and psychological wounds from numerous crises: Saul’s relentless pursuit, the loss of his son, and the weight of his own sin (e.g., the affair with Bathsheba). God, as his Shepherd, provided the “oil” of forgiveness and emotional restoration to soothe his guilt and heal his spirit. The oil represents God’s tenderness in binding up the wounds of His deeply flawed but repentant servant.
- Protection from Pests: David was constantly harassed by “pests” – his enemies (both foreign and domestic, like Absalom). The oil covering his head represented God’s protective presence, shielding his mind and spirit from the debilitating fear and distraction caused by those who sought his downfall. It assured him that God was actively defending his thoughts and peace.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Stanza 4 – Faith-Filled Finale
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. – Psalm 23:6
The constant tender loving care, provision, guidance, and protection of the Great Shepherd so overwhelmed David that he declared in complete confidence that his eternal future was secure (verse 6).
David concluded the song with the faith-filled proclamation that his Shepherd’s unmerited favor would never leave him. He was without doubt that as long as he faithfully followed His Shepherd, he would be continually surrounded by His abundant goodness and loving kindness for the remainder of his days on earth.
Then, after being pursued by God’s goodness and unfailing compassion throughout his earthly life, the Great Shepherd would welcome him into His heavenly home to live with Him forever.
Summary and Conclusion
The Psalmist depicted Almighty God, in whose image we are created, as the Divine Shepherd. It is a culturally appropriate, beautiful way of illustrating the gentle, caring, and nurturing nature of our God.
The role of a father is often depicted by Christians as a Roman soldier. There certainly are aspects of fathering that require a warrior-like stance. We must be ready to protect and defend our families.
It is my thesis that the provision, protection, blessings, and hope experienced by David in the care of his Divine Shepherd is the perfect illustration of loving parenting. Earthly fathers cannot do better than to emulate the nurturance of Almighty God in shepherding our families.
In Part 3 of the Fathers as Family Shepherds series, we will explore some of the other scriptural references of God portrayed as the Divine Shepherd. In forthcoming installments, we will draw parallels for pastors and earthly fathers.
Actionable Steps
This week, memorize and meditate on Psalm 23.
Ask: How is God shepherding me? What are ways in which I can be a better shepherd of my family?
Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your loving provision, protection, and blessings in my life. Help me to be more like You in caring for and leading my family.
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For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my newly revised and updated Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations, and communities. The hardbound version was recently published and is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Obtain the Kindle version here: https://a.co/d/0HJS8QY
Another new resource for fathers is the book Fathering Strong – God’s Blueprint for Leading Your Family by key ministry partner, Bruce Stapleton. Learn about it here: https://www.amazon.com/Fathering-Strong-Blueprint-Leading-Family/dp/B0F52HN91R
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