Topical Encyclopedia The metaphor of sheep is frequently used throughout the Bible to describe the people of God, particularly those who are righteous and follow His ways. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of the ancient Near East, where sheep were a common part of daily life and shepherding was a familiar occupation. The "Sheep of the Righteous" refers to those who are under the care and guidance of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and who live according to God's commandments.Biblical Imagery and Symbolism Sheep are often depicted as gentle, vulnerable, and in need of guidance, which makes them an apt symbol for believers who rely on God's protection and direction. In the Old Testament, the imagery of sheep is used to describe the people of Israel. Psalm 23, one of the most well-known passages, begins with, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1), illustrating the care and provision God provides for His people. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on this imagery by identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:14-15, He states, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the intimate relationship between Him and His followers, as well as His sacrificial love. Characteristics of the Righteous Sheep The righteous sheep are characterized by their obedience and faithfulness to the Shepherd. They hear His voice and follow Him, as described in John 10:27: "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" . This obedience is not out of compulsion but stems from a deep trust and recognition of the Shepherd's authority and love. Moreover, the righteous sheep are marked by their righteousness, which is not of their own making but is imputed to them through faith in Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 3:22, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" . The sheep of the righteous are those who have been justified by faith and live in accordance with God's will. Protection and Provision The Good Shepherd provides for the needs of His sheep, ensuring their safety and well-being. In John 10:28, Jesus assures, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand" . This promise of eternal security is a cornerstone of the believer's faith, highlighting the Shepherd's commitment to His flock. Additionally, the Shepherd leads His sheep to spiritual nourishment and rest. Psalm 23:2-3 describes this care: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name" . The righteous sheep are sustained by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, which guide them in their daily walk. The Role of the Shepherd The role of the Shepherd is central to the concept of the Sheep of the Righteous. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only leads and protects His sheep but also seeks out the lost. In Luke 15:4-6, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating His dedication to bringing back those who have strayed: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" . Furthermore, the Shepherd's sacrificial love is the ultimate expression of His care. In laying down His life for the sheep, Jesus fulfills the role of the Shepherd who is willing to give everything for the safety and salvation of His flock. Conclusion The metaphor of the Sheep of the Righteous encapsulates the relationship between believers and Christ, emphasizing themes of guidance, protection, and sacrificial love. Through faith in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, believers are assured of their place in His flock and the promise of eternal life. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 50:17Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria has devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 34:1 Matthew 26:31 Mark 14:27 John 10:1-16 Library The Surprise of the Righteous The Calling Together of a Synod not Always Necessary to the ... The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... The Evil one Wailed "Where Now, is There a Place for Me to Flee to ... The Lost Sheep. Of the False Prophet, and the Hardships of the Righteous, and his ... April 23 Evening Why God Makes of Some Sheep, Others Not. The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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