Loneliness of the Shepherd
When considering the shepherd, how could one look past the imagery and real-life actions of David and Jesus? In Scripture, the shepherd metaphor is rich and multi-layered, focusing a smaller amount on characteristic loneliness, or inner spiritual state and more on the solitary burden of leadership, immense responsibility, and the potential spiritual isolation that comes from a failure of care for those close to you.
I like to look through the contextual meanings and usages of the Bible. At least (8) different descriptors are used of the Hebraic people of Israel (Northern and Southern) Tribes.
Most of which are riddles throughout these submissions, but this one will employ only 2-3. There are numerous metaphors and idioms used in discussions and historical references of the sheep herder (shepherd).
I have found that much of what I like to dig into but share very few thoughts are centered around shepherding (pastoring) sheep and goats. Scripture in Jeremiah and Ezekiel does not speak very kindly of bad shepherds. Honestly, neither do I.
Many folks want to preach, but not many of those same people want to lead by being in the mud, weaknesses, feces and intimate brokenness of those animals, or people.
I am certain that many of you are keenly aware of what I will share, but there will be enough of your that might find what I share interesting enough to maybe take to heart and do some biblical mirror (spiritual) comparison and examining.
True shepherding is a lonely and often thankless job, until something is lost, damaged, destroyed or eaten. When these things happen, that shepherd will have to explain to the master (chief shepherd) what happened to this one, or that one. That chief sheep herder knows how many he has and what their health was like when the under shepherd took them out to water, exercise and feed.
Should the rō'eh (shepherd) be a trusted companion? The Hebrew word rō'eh, meaning "to associate with, be a friend of, and be a friend or acquaintance," emphasizes a sincere relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. The sheep know and respond to their shepherd's unique call. Loneliness for the shepherd is often framed as a separation from this relationship or a failure to maintain that close bond. We see many examples of this in Scripture and in the places, we call “houses of GOD”.
There are many references to "sheep without a shepherd" (Numbers 27:17 & Matthew 9:36): This is an idiom that describes people who are scattered, disoriented, and vulnerable due to a lack of proper, compassionate leadership. It highlights the danger and sense of being lost when guidance is absent. The "loneliness" here is that of a community lacking a central, caring figure, making individual members feel isolated and exposed to harm. We see many examples of this in Scripture and in the places, we call “houses of GOD”.
I mentioned earlier about bad shepherds. The most prominent and defined are the details about the ones in Ezekiel 34 and Jeremiah 23. The prophets extensively used the metaphor of "bad shepherds" to condemn self-serving leaders (kings, priests) who feed themselves instead of the flock. The isolation here is a spiritual and moral one—these leaders are isolated from their “GOD-given” duty and from the true needs of their people. The consequence of their "loneliness" is a scattered and suffering flock. We see this quite frequently and it causes the Chief Shepherd a great amount of sadness.
We see the perspective of David, when he acknowledges his security and safety when he makes this proclamation, "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23): This declaration by King David, who was himself a shepherd, is an idiom for divine provision, guidance, and intimate presence. The Psalm's shift in pronouns from "He" to "You are with me" (in the "valley of the shadow of death") illustrates the personal and present nature of GOD's care. With the Good Shepherd, one is never truly alone, even in the darkest circumstances.
I stumbled upon this. I decided to share it. Maybe it will also give you, myself and hopefully, others something else to consider. The “solitude of Hitbodedut” is mentioned in some Judean traditions and teachings. It promotes “the physical solitude and silence of the shepherd's life are seen as an ideal for hitbodedut (self-seclusion/personal prayer). This separateness is not a negative loneliness, but a necessary "inspirational verbalization of silence" that allows for deep inner reflection and a direct, unresolved connection with the Presence of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). If you know anything about a shepherd and being alone with GOD, he is going to be a different man, if he chooses to get in touch with GOD through an intimate relationship with the Ruach, GOD’s Spirit. THIS outward loneliness fosters an acute connection.
As Yeshua said, “every one of us has strayed…” Yeshua (Jesus) often used the imagery of sheep and shepherds to describe people’s relationship with GOD, His Father. The idea is that, like sheep, people tend to go their own way, sometimes getting lost or separated from the guidance and care of the shepherd.
This concept is echoed in passages such as Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way…”
When we hear or speak of "strayed" or "lost sheep", we are speaking of something or someone that has wandered off. In time, that person or animal will become afraid and search for a place to hide, all-the-while bleating loudly out of fear and disorientation.
Without a doubt, this is an idiom for a person who is spiritually astray or in sin, and their resulting isolation is a call for rescue and restoration by the Shepherd (or even the local under shepherd).
Yeshua’s Teachings build on this, emphasizing that everyone experiences moments of being “lost” or spiritually astray. The shepherd’s role, then, is to seek out and restore those who have strayed, demonstrating compassion and a desire for reconciliation. This metaphor highlights both the vulnerability of people and the caring, persistent nature of the shepherd (leader or spiritual guide).
When Yeshua said everyone has strayed, it highlights the universal human tendency to wander spiritually, and the importance of compassionate leadership and restoration. This is why a good shepherd is difficult to find. We all need to make certain to listen for the Voice of the Good (Chief) Shepherd. He knows our bleating voice. He will come to us and take us home to safety and proper care. We need sheep herders who want to be more like Him—instead of them!
Here are some specifics I thought would be excellent mementos for the journey:
1. The Solitary Burden of Leadership
The shepherd carries immense responsibility for the well-being of the flock. This leadership role is not just about guiding sheep, but also about being accountable for every loss, injury, or misstep. The weight of this responsibility can create a sense of isolation, as the shepherd alone must answer to the “chief shepherd” for what happens to each member of the flock.
2. Spiritual and Emotional Separation
Scripture and tradition highlight that shepherding is not just a physical task but a spiritual one. When a shepherd fails in their duty of care, it can lead to a kind of spiritual isolation & separation from the community, from the flock, and even from one’s own sense of purpose. This is especially true for “bad shepherds” who neglect or exploit their flock, resulting in both personal and communal loneliness.
3. Physical Solitude
The daily life of a shepherd is often spent away from others, in the fields or wilderness. This physical solitude is sometimes seen as an opportunity for deep reflection and connection with the Lord (as in the practice of hitbodedut), but it can also be experienced as loneliness, especially if the shepherd feels disconnected from the flock or from meaningful relationships.
4. Relational Loneliness
The shepherd’s responsibility causes loneliness because it sets the shepherd apart—by duty, by spiritual calling, and sometimes by physical distance. This loneliness can be negative (isolation, burden) or positive (deep reflection, spiritual connection), depending on how the shepherd engages with the role.