As we continue our journey of getting acquainted with God through some of His names and titles that are given to us in Scripture we must visit Psalm 23:1 where we meet Him as Jehovah Raah, which is my shepherd. To a people whose life and economy was deeply involved with sheep this would be a clear message. The shepherd and the flock would become closely bonded to each other; the sheep were quite defenseless on their own, and they were needy creatures; the true shepherd loved his flock and would lead them out to nourishing pasture and beside still water (for they were fearful of fast moving water) where they could drink and be refreshed, he would protect them from enemy predators, and care for their needs in times of sickness or injury; so they loved him as he loved them and they felt secure in his presence. As David draws on his experience as a shepherd he reflects on God seeing Him as his shepherd, and speaks out, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (or lack). Isaiah in 40:11 picks up the same thought saying, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” Jeremiah adds to the picture in 23:1 where through him God calls His people “the sheep of My pasture.” In The New Testament Jesus presents Himself as the “good shepherd” in John 10. Indeed it is by Him that we enter the flock and the sheepfold because He is the only door, and from there He leads us as His sheep, and knowing His voice we confidently follow Him as He leads us out to eat and drink in His presence Verse 9, with the confidence that no enemy will overtake us because He lays down His life for His sheep, verse 11. Yes, we know Jehovah Raah cares for us; 1 Peter 5:7 “…He cares for you.”
Our Jehovah God
Part five by Rose Hill
When you can’t find which way to go,
And you need someone the way to show.
I will lead you in what to do,
I am Jehovah Raah your shepherd true.
I am that! That’s what I am!
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.