Really Good Shepherds

AM Psalm 30, 32 • PM Psalm 42, 43
Job 22:1-4,21-23:7 • Acts 13:26-43 • John 10:1-18

The wealth and social standing of Biblical era patriarchs in Mediterranean countries was often expressed in terms of the number and size of the flocks they owned. 

This does not mean that hands-on shepherds and goat herders who personally managed the animals were socially esteemed. They were in fact despised because—much like Mary of Magdala, the wealthy processor of “garum” (pungent fermented fish sauce at the Sea of Galilee)—shepherds smelled really bad. And unlike Mary, they could not afford to buy expensive unguents like oil of nard to mask the odor. 

Wealthy flock owners hired shepherds, and these typically worked only daytimes and corralled the flock at the end of the day. Hired shepherds got to sleep nights in the city in their own homes—spending more time with the wife, children, neighbors, and less with the livestock. 

Hired shepherds certainly did not risk their lives defending lambs and kids from lions, leopards, bears, and wolves, (all of which were still around Israel at the time and all of whom attacked not only the livestock—but and as evidenced in caves full of of human skulls cracked open has shown, the shepherds and goatherds as well).

Shepherds who owned their own flock put up a fight because every single animal mattered to them. They gave them names, because when humans despise you, livestock turn out to be better company anyway. 

Did these shepherds use their crooks to fight off predators. No, they used slings and stones. Sound unlikely? That’s what Goliath thought until a shepherd boy named David put a stone—typically traveling about 100 miles an hour (a speed readily attained today by enthusiasts) into his skull.

Written by Tony Stankus

Distinguished Professor & Life Sciences Librarian, U of A.