The word shepherd is used many ways in scripture. Shepherds are those who care for sheep of course, and this is the poetic symbolism that David is trying to get us to understand--God shepherds His children. However, the word shepherd can also be used of a priest or king. In similar poetic fashion Ezekiel in chapter 34 points to a portion of Israel's downfall as due to a lack of adequate ministerial care that was to be given by the priests. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Ezekiel 34:6 Ezekiel then predicts that "David" shall shepherd His people. Ezekiel 34:23 says, "And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd." Jesus Christ , the Son of David, fulfills this position. So what is Jesus doing today? It is evident in the Bible that He is serving as our only priest and that He is shepherding His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Who is the that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34
It is important to see that the shepherding ministry of Jesus is always linked to his death. It is seen as a subsequent event. We now have a High Priest at the Father's right hand who makes intercession for us!
Notice, then, the placement of Psalm 23. It comes immediately after psalm 22 that outlines the sacrificial death of God's great prophet. Psalm 23 is the Psalm outlining the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. Why then should I fear at all seeing I have such a great High Priest shepherding me daily. YHWH Rohi! The LORD is my shepherd! He is my great High Priest!
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
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