MY SHEPARD

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. — Psalm 23:1

Even for those who are not well-versed in Scripture, the opening words of the 23rd Psalm are very familiar: "The LORD is my shepherd…" While the imagery of a shepherd may seem foreign to us today, this was an illustration people in Bible times could easily identify with. In fact, sheep and shepherds are mentioned about 200 times throughout the Bible — and sheep are mentioned more than any other animal.

People in biblical times understood what shepherding was all about. Shepherds were concerned about feeding their sheep, bringing them to good pasture lands and water, grooming and clipping them, delivering new lambs, leading the sheep and teaching them to stay together, protecting them in the field and in the fold, and often times, going after the wandering lost ones. The role of the shepherd was important in protecting what might be the family's only source of income.

The job of shepherding often went to the children of the family, and David, as the youngest of eight brothers, was given that task. According to Jewish tradition, as a young shepherd caring for his flock, David had such compassion for his sheep that when one tired, David would carry that sheep on his shoulders. So when it came to describe his relationship with God, David relied on an example that came from his experience — and his heart.

David, you see, knew God as his shepherd. He knew that God cared for him, protected him, provided for him, and guided him. David trusted his Shepherd to lead him through life's difficulties, to provide peace and rest when he needed it, and to protect him in the presence of his enemies. David had such confidence in his Shepherd that he willingly and obediently followed Him wherever God led. In doing so, David had the utmost faith that "surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" (v. 6).

David found great comfort in knowing God as his shepherd — and we can, too. Just as God cared for David, we can trust that we, His people and His sheep, will be cared for also.

God is our shepherd. We will not want.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein