God (Yahweh) has provided shepherds for His people since the time of the judges. In His love for them He provided people to lead them in justice, truth, and righteousness.
In 1 Chronicles 17:5-7 New American Standard Bible 1995 God commanded the judges to shepherd Israel.
“5 for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have [a]gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another. 6 In all places where I have walked with all Israel, have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?’”’ 7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader over My people Israel.”
Then He appointed Saul to shepherd them. “Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’”” 2 Samuel 5:2 NASB 1995
King David followed Saul in shepherding God’s people. “70 He also chose David His servant And took him from the sheepfolds; 71 From [a]the care of the [b]ewes with suckling lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.” Psalm 78:70-72 New American Standard Bible 1995
The shepherding of God’s people is a serious matter. It pertains to providing food for the spirit of man. Teaching God’s people about His laws, His blessings, curses, and what life is truly about. Life beyond the natural. Life where holiness and righteousness are exemplified.
“34 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to [a]those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord [b]God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been [c]feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds [d]feed the flock? 3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without [e]feeding the flock.” Ezekiel 34:1-3 New American Standard Bible 1995 These shepherds did not truly care to take care of the flock, they were self-centered and selfish.
Then God sent Jesus into the world as the greatest shepherd of His people.
“5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written [a]by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”” Matthew 2:5-7 New American Standard Bible 1995
After Christ’s ascension God made the apostles, preachers, and teachers responsible for shepherding His people. Today preachers and teachers are still expected to shepherd the flock which is the body of Christ.
“28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you [a]overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He [b]purchased [c]with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 New American Standard Bible 1995
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