Originally published by The Round Farmhouse Ministries on February 18, 2026.

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, ESV)

Why are shepherd references used so frequently in Scripture? Because these references would have been very familiar to the people hearing and reading these words because shepherds were part of everyday life. God used these references to help people understand how His actions showed His love for His people.

The role of the shepherd was to protect the sheep: Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd in John 10: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (verse 11). The shepherd was responsible for caring for the sheep: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). The shepherd also needed to gather and guide the sheep: “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock’” (Jeremiah 31:10). Here Jeremiah describes God gathering his people from exile and caring for and protecting them as their Shepherd.

Although I’m less familiar with the role of a shepherd in contemporary times, I do know enough to know that I need God as my Shepherd. Because I am a sheep. I’m cute and cuddly and make weird noises with my mouth. I like straying from the flock. I’m not a fan of coyotes. I have moments of pure stupidity. And I’m prone to wander, and I need protection (often from myself).

Let’s look at what Psalm 23 says about God as our Shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me [action] lie down in green pastures. He leads me [action] beside still waters. He restores [action] my soul. He leads me [action] in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Wow, look at all that God does as our Shepherd. He doesn’t simply sit and watch us wander through life, making sure we stay in our pen and don’t get into too much trouble. No, He makes us rest. He leads us. He restores us.

And why does He do this for us? Because He cares for us (Matthew 10:29-31). Because He is our defender against evil (1 John 5:18). Because He provides opportunities for us to “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).

And so may we trust in and rely on Jehovah Rohi, knowing He is our provider and protector!