By Tyson Thorne

August 7, 2018
 

NoG Rohi Large

YHWH Rohi means “the Lord my Shepherd” and is pronounced Row-ee. This is the name used for God by David in the 23rd Psalm. It is used again in Psalm 80.1, Isaiah 40.10-11 and Ezekiel 34.11-16. Rohi, or the Greek equivalent (poiman `o kalos) is a name Jesus uses of himself in John chapter 10.11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He states this again in verse 14: "I am the good shepherd.” Jesus’ use of this name was another claim to deity, to being the God of David.

The Hebrew word rohi comes from the word raah and is translated in various ways - feeder, keeper, companion, friend, pastor, herdsman, and shepherd. God is all of these things to his people in various ways and at various times. It is the reason we have no want — "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Jesus tells us that He is the good shepherd and that his sheep know his voice. This is important, for while God does so much for us we have a responsibility as his sheep — to not be lead astray. We must understand that there is more than one shepherd, there is an opposing shepherd, too.

In Ezekiel 34, God provides a stern rebuke and warning of judgment against false shepherds. A false shepherd is one who has been given authority to lead, but who forsakes the calling of the shepherd in order to serve themselves. They are likely not people who started out badly, but people who took their work for granted and eventually became greedy and self absorbed. We should take note of the description of these people so that we can recognize them for what they are, and run from them and toward the true Shepherd. Perhaps it is best to compare the two shepherds:

Psalm 23 teaches us about the care God lavishes on his children:

  • YHWH Rohi supplies our needs
  • YHWH Rohi restores our strength
  • YHWH Rohi leads us
  • YHWH Rohi makes us fearless
  • YHWH Rohi stays by our side
  • YHWH Rohi reassures us
  • YHWH Rohi honors us
  • YHWH Rohi pursues us
  • YHWH Rohi saves us eternally

Ezekiel 34 tells us how the false shepherd cares for themselves:

  • The false shepherds feed themselves and not their flock.
  • The false shepherds do for themselves
  • The false shepherds take the choicest of food and clothing
  • The false shepherds do not strengthen the weak
  • The false shepherds do not heal the sick
  • The false shepherds do not bandage the injured
  • The false shepherds do not bring back the strays,
  • The false shepherds do not seek the lost
  • The false shepherds rule over others with force and harshness
 
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