Jehovah-Rohi means “the Lord our Shepherd". There are many references in the Bible, to shepherds and to sheep. Isaiah is not very flattering when he compares us – you and I - to sheep in Isaiah 53:6. He says that we all, like sheep, have strayed from God’s path. Sheep aren’t very smart. They like to stick together and they tend to follow a lead sheep. If the lead sheep turns the wrong way, even leading to where there may be less food or more danger, all of the other sheep will follow. Sheep are not good fighters. They can’t protect themselves. That’s why the shepherd doesn’t let the flock go off on their own. The sheep need a shepherd to take care of them.

Isaiah also says that our Almighty God tends His flock like a loving shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart and gently leads those that are weak and helpless. Isaiah 40:11

Psalm 23 says “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” The psalmist wrote about the blessings of Jehovah-Rohi, comparing them to a shepherd and his sheep.

• A shepherd leads his sheep to fresh grass for nutritious food. The Lord our Shepherd leads His people in spiritual nourishment.
• A shepherd leads his sheep to quiet waters for refreshing and cleansing. Jehovah-Rohi refreshes and restores the souls of His people.
• A good shepherd leads his sheep in the right paths to take them home safely. Jehovah-Rohi guides His people along the right path and loses none of His children.
• The shepherd protects his sheep from danger. It is his duty to protect his flock from wolves and other predators. Jehovah-Rohi is with His people through every trial and struggle, protecting them from evil.

Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd in John 10:14. He says that He knows who His sheep are and His sheep know Him. Just as the Father knows the Son, the Son knows His children. Some shepherds have given their lives in defending their sheep. Jesus willing gave His life to save His sheep – you and I - from the penalty of sin.

It is embarrassing being compared to a sheep – weak, not to smart, tends to follow the crowd – but I’m am happy to call the Jesus my Shepherd. He leads me to spiritual nourishment. He refreshes and restores my soul. He guides me on the right path. He protects me from evil. He laid down His life for me. He is Jehovah-Rohi.



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