Shepherd

SHEPHERD -  The Good Shepherd is an image used in the pericope of John 10:1-21, in which Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.  Similar imagery is used in Psalm 23.  The Good Shepherd is also discussed in the other gospels, the Epistle to the Hebrews, the First Epistle of Peter and the Book of Revelation in references to Jesus not letting himself lose any of his sheep.  It is a word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead.  This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of God to his people. 

The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured.  Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back.   In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs.   At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing.