27 October 2024

JEHOVAH ROHI: THE LORD MY SHEPHERD

(The Names Of God: TNOG 13)

The Name Jehovah-Rohi means “Jehovah my Shepherd”, found in Psalm 23:1. It is that most precious designation of Jehovah where it is translated, "The Lord is my Shepherd." The primary meaning of this word“Rohi” is to “feed” or “lead to pasture”, as a shepherd does his flock. Feeding and tending the flock is the occupation and ministry of the shepherd.

In 2 Samuel 5:2, this word is also used figuratively to indicate the relationship between ruler and people, when the Tribes of Israel said to David: "You were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, “You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel” (KJV: “You shall be a prince over Israel")

It is in the Name of Jehovah-Rohi that this relationship finds its highest and tenderest expression, for Jehovah is the Shepherd of His people. No other Name of Jehovah has the tender intimate touch of this Name. As Shepherd, Jehovah (“The LORD”) is the Divine Ruler over His People and watches and protects them.

The Psalmist and the Prophets are the first to apply this Name of Jehovah-Rohi. It appears first directly and personally in Psalm 23. Everything in David's life had suggested that he had such a relationship with God. On one occasion God had said to him, "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people" (2 Sam 7:8). The Psalmist also wrote: "He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands" (Ps 78:70-72).

We know that David is a Type of Christ as Anointed King and Shepherd. So what is said about David being appointed as Ruler and Shepherd is also true of the Lord Jesus. For Christ said of Himself, “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). As Jehovah was Shepherd to Israel, so Christ is Shepherd to His Redeemed: the Christians. Christ is the fulfillment of all prophetic word about the shepherd in the Old Testament.

Let us now learn some important Truths about our Shepherd as recorded for us in John 10.

• 1. Christ is the Good Shepherd Who gave His Life for His sheep. He is the Atoning Sacrifice for the lost sheep – sinners such as us. (10:11; 1 John 4:10).
• 2. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep and calls them by name (10:3).
• 3. The Good Shepherd saves His sheep and gives them abundant life (10: 9-10).
• 4. The Good Shepherd guides and speaks to His sheep and they heed His Voice (10:27).
• 5. The Good Shepherd protects His Sheep and watches over them, unlike the hireling (10:12-13).

Click HERE to return to The Name Of God series

Click HERE to return to Articles Main Menu