In biblical terminology, the term "flock" is often used both literally and metaphorically to describe a group of sheep or goats, as well as the people of God under His care. The imagery of a flock is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing guidance, provision, and community under divine leadership.

Literal Usage

In its literal sense, a flock refers to a group of domesticated animals, primarily sheep or goats, which were central to the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel. Shepherds played a crucial role in tending to these flocks, ensuring their safety, leading them to pastures, and protecting them from predators. The life of a shepherd and the care of flocks are vividly depicted in various passages, such as in Genesis 30:36, where Jacob tended Laban's flocks, and in 1 Samuel 17:34-35, where David recounts his experiences as a shepherd defending his flock from lions and bears.

Metaphorical Usage

Metaphorically, the term "flock" is used to describe the people of God, with God Himself or His appointed leaders serving as the shepherd. This imagery underscores the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing care, guidance, and protection. In Psalm 23:1 , David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," illustrating the Lord's provision and care for His flock.

The prophets frequently employed this metaphor to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Ezekiel 34:11-12 , God promises, "For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among his flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.'" This passage highlights God's commitment to gathering and caring for His people, even in times of distress.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often depicted as the Good Shepherd, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In John 10:11 , Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This declaration not only affirms His role as the protector and guide of His followers but also foreshadows His sacrificial death for their salvation.

The apostolic writings continue this theme, with church leaders being exhorted to shepherd the flock of God. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , elders are instructed, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage emphasizes the responsibility of church leaders to care for and guide the community of believers with humility and integrity.

Symbol of Unity and Community

The concept of a flock also serves as a symbol of unity and community among believers. In Acts 20:28 , Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood." Here, the church is depicted as a unified body, purchased and valued by Christ, and entrusted to the care of its leaders.

Throughout Scripture, the imagery of a flock serves as a powerful reminder of God's loving care and the communal nature of the faith. Whether referring to literal sheep or the people of God, the concept of a flock underscores themes of guidance, protection, and the nurturing relationship between the divine Shepherd and His people.

Preaching (ii. ).
... For His sake, and for the flock's sake, we long and must strive to speak
so as to draw their attention to His message and to Himself. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moule/to my younger brethren/chapter xi preaching ii.htm

'That which was Lost'
... So it nibbled itself away out of the path, out of the shepherd's care, out of the
flock's companionship. It was heedless; and therefore it was lost. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/that which was lost.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect, for all his Ways are ...
... He is not much concerned in government nor in governors, but for his little flock's
sake, and if these were gathered, all these shall have an end, and the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ii he is the.htm

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... Which nods aloft, and proudly spreads her shade,. The sun's defiance, and the flock's
defence; By the strong strokes of labouring hinds subdued,. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the right honourable the.htm

Flock's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flock's (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians ... its fruit? Or who
feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB). ...
/f/flock's.htm - 6k

Flog (7 Occurrences)

/f/flog.htm - 8k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... creatures; -- especially applied to sheep and birds, rarely to persons or (except
in the plural) to cattle and other large animals; as, a flock of ravenous fowl ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

Feeds (14 Occurrences)
... expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds
a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB). ...
/f/feeds.htm - 10k

Expense (7 Occurrences)
... Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock,
and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/expense.htm - 8k

Plant (92 Occurrences)
... expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds
a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (Root ...
/p/plant.htm - 37k

Plants (70 Occurrences)
... Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and
doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/plants.htm - 27k

Serves (14 Occurrences)
... Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and
doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/serves.htm - 10k

Soldier (16 Occurrences)
... Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and
doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB WEY ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/soldier.htm - 12k

Vineyard (69 Occurrences)
... Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and
doesn't drink from the flock's milk? (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/v/vineyard.htm - 29k

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