Around this time of year we hear the Christmas story with all the familiar elements that make up our traditional scene.
We have no doubt heard it since childhood and because we have become so used to its retelling, we may never really stop to think about it or ponder on some obvious questions; and if we do have questions, we’ve probably just put them out of our minds.
Luke 2:8 “And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.”
Shepherds – רָעַוָתָא Ra’ata Resh, Ayin Vav Taw Aleph
These questions could be:
Why was the night watch so important that the Bible made sure to mention it?
When did the shepherds sleep if they stayed up all night watching their sheep?
More significant ones are: Why did the angels appear to this particular group of shepherds
and
why to shepherds in the first place?
Why were there a group of shepherds, didn’t shepherds work alone?
Some answers have been offered such as:
they watched by night during certain times of the year.
Shepherds often let their sheep graze together, which apparently is not true.
The often given explanation as to why God chose to reveal the birth of His Son to shepherds, is because shepherds were the lowest class of people, sometimes criminals and outcasts; being that they were filthy, dirty scum of the earth types.
This doesn’t sit well if we are to remember that Yeshua/Jesus called Himself the shepherd of the sheep and if that is a true description, why would we want to call Yeshua/Jesus our shepherd, or our pastor our shepherd?
The reasoning behind the description of shepherds as scum of the earth, is possibly because of their job. They were always ‘ceremonially unclean’, and were therefore not permitted to participate in the Temple proceedings, etc. It does seem ironic, that the ones who cared for the sacrificial lambs were not allowed in. However, they had the honor to be the first to see our Heavenly Fathers’ perfect sacrificial Lamb.
Messiah Jesus/Yeshua had two roles to fulfill :
First as the suffering Servant/Lamb of God and
Second as the victorious King.
The shepherds saw Him as the sinless Lamb of God and later
the wise men saw him as King of Kings;
both of His roles were seen and declared.
Matthew2:11shows that Jesus/Yeshua was in Bethlehem when the Wise Men visited Him, He was in a house and is described as a child, rather than a baby who was just born.
Shepherds were not considered the scum of the earth in Middle Eastern culture. Often a shepherd was a young teenager, usually the youngest of the family who was given the responsibility of keeping watch over the family’s prized possessions. Large herds equalled wealth in those days. Many great men of God are recorded as starting out as shepherds, just as David was in 1Sam. 17:34. But David persisted. I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats.
If there was no son were available sometimes a daughter would be given the responsibility, (Rachel watering her fathers flocks); and if not, an honest reliable outsider would be hired. By studying ancient cultures it seems clear that being a shepherd was a well-respected profession. So the thinking that our Father sent His angels to announce the birth of His Son to the lowest men in society just doesn’t seem right?
In biblical narratives, shepherds hold a distinguished symbolic significance, epitomizing virtues such as leadership, care, and divine guidance. The role of shepherds is exemplified in the story of King David, who transitions from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel.
His shepherding background symbolizes his capability for leadership and his role as a protector and provider for his people. Similarly, the shepherds who were among the first to witness the birth of Yeshua/Jesus highlight themes of humility and the inclusion of all societal layers in significant religious events.
These portrayals affirm the shepherds’ intrinsic worth and moral integrity, positioning them as key figures in the manifestation of divine plans.
Despite their positive portrayal in scripture, shepherds are subject to negative societal attitudes. Historically, shepherds were marginalized and considered unclean due to their constant contact with animals and the nomadic nature of their work, which kept them at the fringes of settled society. This attitude presents a stark contrast to their exalted biblical roles.
This is a profound paradox: while scripture lifts up shepherds, society devalues them, pointing to a significant difference between spiritual values and what is normal in society. In turn, this serves to increase the message in scripture of humility and divine favor, which exceeds any prejudices or social status.
Genesis 48:15 HEB: וְיִצְחָ֔ק הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ הָרֹעֶ֣ה אֹתִ֔י מֵעוֹדִ֖י NAS: The God who has been my shepherd all KJV: the God which fed me all my life long INT:and Isaac the God has been my shepherd my life against
The word shepherd that is used in this passage in Luke 2:8, is the Greek wordpoimeneswhich means:
to feed or to protect.
It is also a word for pastures
as that is where the shepherd feeds his sheep.
The Latin word for shepherd is pastor
as in pasture
where we get the idea that:
our pastor is our shepherd whose job it is to spiritually feed his flock/congregation.
Luke 2:8N-NMP GRK: Καὶ ποιμένες ἦσαν ἐν NAS: region there were [some] shepherds staying out in the fields KJV:country shepherds abiding in the field, INT:And shepherds were in
Luke 2:15N-NMP GRK: ἄγγελοι οἱ ποιμένες ἐλάλουν πρὸς NAS:from them into heaven, the shepherds [began] saying INT:angels the shepherds said to
7462 Strong’s Lexicon
ra’ah: To shepherd, to tend, to pasture, to feed
Original Word: רָעָה
Transliteration: ra`ah
Pronunciation: rah-AH
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-aw’)
Definition: To shepherd, to tend, to pasture, to feed
Meaning: to tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with
Corresponding Greek – G4165
(ποιμαίνω, poimainō): To shepherd, to tend
– G4166 (ποιμήν, poimēn): Shepherd
The Hebrew verb “ra’ah” primarily means:
“to shepherd” or “to tend.”
It is used in the context of caring for and guiding sheep, which involves leading them to pasture, protecting them from harm, and ensuring their well-being. This term is often used metaphorically in scripture to describe leadership, guidance, and care, particularly in a spiritual or community context.
In ancient Israel, shepherding was a common occupation and an essential part of the agrarian lifestyle. Shepherds were responsible for the welfare of their flocks, which were vital for providing wool, milk, and meat. The imagery of shepherding is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious life of Israel, symbolizing leadership, provision, and protection. This metaphor is frequently applied to God as the divine Shepherd of Israel and to leaders who are expected to care for their people as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
To answer the meaning of good shepherds we recall Messiah called Himself the Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15
and Psalm 23The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want…..
is possibly the most well known of all Psalms and in it we find some answers:
For both animal shepherds and Messiah as our Good Shepherd, a good shepherd provides rest and nourishment, leading his flock to green pastures and still waters; which symbolizes a place of abundance and provision where we find spiritual sustenance.
The good experienced shepherd guides his flock to still waters, signifying his role in leading us to a place of peace and safety, true shalom. We all need times of spiritual refreshment and tranquillity under the care of the watchful guard.
The presence of the Good Shepherd brings peaceful assurance, joy and contentment. In the same way that sheep rest in the presence of their shepherd, we find that serene calm and security in Messiah, and are able to find His direction for our lives trusting in Him. He will never lead us into danger and we are not to fear for He knows the way we will take.
The Good Shepherd guides us along the right or righteous path, which reflects our Heavenly Fathers’ character and faithfulness. Righteousness, can only be found through Messiah by aligning ourselves with Him and ultimately experiencing His shalom peace that passes all understanding.
Why was the birth of Messiah revealed to shepherds and to these shepherds in particular and why were they grouped together?
The answer to that may be in the Jewish Talmud.
Talmud and Midrash, a commentary and interpretative writings that hold a place in the Jewish religious tradition second only to the Bible (Old Testament).The Hebrew term Talmud (“study” or “learning”) commonly refers to a compilation of ancient teachings regarded as sacred and normative by Jews from the time it was compiled until modern times.
It is recorded that the lambs/sheep which were to be used for the daily sacrifice in the temple were to be fed in the pastures in Bethlehem.
These particular pastures were owned by the temple specifically for the raising of the yearling lambs.
The seh or sacrificial lambs.
Seh is the word most often associated with lambs that were used in the ancient Hebrew system of sacrifice and atonement (see Exodus 34:19-20, Leviticus 5, Leviticus 12
Recalling Abrahams directive for the sacrifice, slain in ceremony of ratification of covenant between the Lord God & Abraham in Genesis 15:9……. here is something interesting.
When the male lamb is just part of the flock it is called SEH,
but when it is set apart for sacrifice (as a male lamb)
it then “graduates” to the word AYIL.
We also have to remember that God Himself never said on that particular day He would provide anything, let alone a lamb. In Genesis 22:8 Avraham replied, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son”; and they both went on together. Abraham and Isaac said it! Abraham trusted YHWH to provide a sacrifice, which is we need to focus on.
These sheep in the Bethlehem fields/pasture had a team of shepherds not just one, looking after them, and they were most likely from the priestly tribe of Levi, providing watches around the clock.
These shepherds were not wandering nomads and were not fast asleep on the ground, the scripture clearly says they were watching their sheep by night. The lyrics to some of the songs we sing are often artistic license and not based in facts, so we get a wrong picture of true events.
There were four night watches where the shepherds worked in shifts; the evening watch: 9 pm. to midnight, the midnight watch: 12 – 3 am., the cock crowing watch: 3am. – 6am. and the morning watch: 6am -9am. .
Note the name of the 3rd watch – the cock crowing watch, when Messiah said to Peter before the cock crows ,or the cock crowing watch, not when a rooster calls!
5422 phulassó: To guard, to keep, to watch over, to protect, to observe
Original Word: φυλάσσω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phulassó Pronunciation: foo-las’-so Phonetic Spelling: (foo-las’-so) Definition: To guard, to keep, to watch over, to protect, to observe Meaning: (a) I guard, protect; mid: I am on my guard, (b) act. and mid. of customs and regulations: I keep, observe.
Derived from the Greek word φύλαξ (phulax), meaning “a guard” or “watchman.”
phulaké: Guard, watch, prison, custody
Original Word: φυλακή Transliteration: phulaké Pronunciation: foo-lak-ay’ Phonetic Spelling: (foo-lak-ay’) Definition: Guard, watch, prison, custody Meaning: a watching, keeping guard; a guard, prison; imprisonment.
Derived from the Greek verb φυλάσσω (phulassō),
meaning “to guard” or “to watch.”
H4929 מִשְׁמָר (mishmar): Guard, watch, prisonThe Greek word “phulaké” primarily refers to a place of guarding or confinement, such as a prison or a watch post. It can also denote the act of keeping watch or being on guard. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, to describe physical imprisonment or custody, and metaphorically, to describe spiritual vigilance or the act of keeping watch.
The shepherds in Bethlehem who were guarding and not just simply watching, these sacrificial lambs 24 hours a day; and when not on their watch, they slept in guard houses built for that purpose called Migdal ‘Eder.
Below are pictures of these migdal eders, agricultural watchtowers, some photographed in the last century (ca. 1900-1920). Note the stair on the near side with a seated man near the top, the brush covered turret, and the arched doors leading into enclosed rooms beneath where they would have cared for the new born lambs.
The Hebrew caption (top right) suggests, “A Watchtower from the hills of Samaria.”
Migdal ‘Eder
is a transliteration of the Semitic phrase for
“fort of the flock.”
Such forts or towers are found in the biblical text.
A migdol –
possibly from the Akkadian madgaltu,
watchtower or border post;
offers a place of refuge, safety, and a vantage point. Remains of these dry-stacked stone structures may still be seen in rural Israel. Local Arab speakers call them qusoor or palaces. They often appear as rock piles in terraced fields, but nowhere as numerous as in the hills around Bethlehem. Interesting that if Messiah was born in a Migdal Eder it is also called a palace! A perfect place for a King!
Below are some plans and elevations of tower types in the area immediately west of Bethlehem.
A sacrificial lamb had to be without spot or blemish so they required extra special care and only the very best shepherds were chosen to watch/guard them.
In the Peshitta, the Aramaic word for
shepherd is ra’a.
This comes from a Semitic root and it expresses:
the idea of a deep passion.
These are the
good shepherds
the ones who feel such passion for their sheep and their duty to watch and guard
these sheep
that they would literally
lay down their lives for these sheep.
Yeshua/Jesus as the good shepherd
was and is a ra’a.
Why did the angels appear to them around the midnight watch between 12 and 3am. which is known as the most difficult watch, during these hours it is the hardest to stay awake? Today in modern terms its known as the graveyard watch. There is an ancient Hebrew tradition that the Messiah would come at midnight. If they were from the tribe of Levi, this they would have been aware of; and with that in mind it’s also a possibility that Messiah was born at midnight. It is quite possible that Mary and Joseph passed by these fields in Bethlehem.
We have to look at the fact here that for these dedicated ra’a shepherds, to decide to leave their seh – sacrificial lambs, they must have been convinced that they were going to worship the true ra’a shepherd and seh – sacrificial lamb. Could it mean that they realized that there was no longer a need for those seh – sacrificial lambs because the real life long awaited seh – sacrificial lamb had come and their job was no longer needed?
Micah 4:8 tells us exactly where He would be born. It was in
“the tower of the flock”.
This was a stone tower about 3 stories high, the ground floor was a birthing room which was safe from weather and predators, This area was always kept ritually clean and set aside just for the birthing of the lambs.
Literally thousands of lambs were born swaddled and cared for the same way before they were inspected to check for perfection, just as Messiah Himself would be examined before His sacrificial death. Our Heavenly Father gave us many prophetic pictures of what, how and where His son would be born, so it would seem that Micah prophecy came to pass, He was born in the
tower of the flock, Migdal Eder.
מִגְדַּל־עֵ֫דֶר, mig-dal-e-der;
There is one more thing that may be true, let the reader decide, Why did the angels made reference to the swaddling of Yeshua/Jesus? New born babies were washed and salted and swaddled and these new born lambs were swaddled. They used the strips of cloth from the priests garments which were regularly replaced because they were stained with the blood from the sacrificial lambs; cloth was expensive in those days, so they were repurposed for the sacrificial lambs. These may have been the strips of swaddling clothes that Jesus/Yeshua was wrapped in and probably the only human baby to have that done to Him it would certainly explain why it was a SIGN to them that He was the prophesied Savior. Strips from the priests blood stained garments who made the sacrifices for sin, swaddled the Messiah who came to shed His blood as the perfect atonement sacrifice for sin, for all mankind, for all time.
Original Word: εὐαγγελιστής Transliteration: euaggelistés Pronunciation: yoo-ang-ghel-is-TACE Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace’) Definition: Evangelist Meaning: an evangelist, a missionary, bearer of good tidings.
Derived from the Greek word
εὐαγγέλιον (euaggelion),
meaning “good news” or “gospel.”
While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for
“evangelist,”
the concept of proclaiming good news
is present in the Hebrew Scriptures,
such as in the role of a
“messenger” (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) or “herald” (מְבַשֵּׂר, mevaser).
The term “euaggelistés” refers to a proclaimer of the gospel, one who announces the good news of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, an evangelist is someone who is specifically gifted and called to spread the message of salvation through Christ. This role is distinct from that of apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers, though it shares the common goal of edifying the body of Christ and expanding the Kingdom of God.
STRONGS NT 2099: εὐαγγελιστής
εὐαγγελιστής, εὐαγγελιστοῦ, ὁ (εὐαγγελίζω),
a Biblical and ecclesiastical word,
a bringer of good tidings,
an evangelist(Vulg.evangelista).
This name is given in the N. T. to those
heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles:
Evangelists are proclaimers of the Good News they are those who impart an effective witness for King Messiah, so that people turn from sin and accept Gods forgiveness through His Messiah.
As we have seen the lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple, were raised in close proximity to Jerusalem, in a Little Town called Bethlehem. The very same place where Messiah, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world was born.
The bible records in Luke 2 that… “While shepherds watched their flocks by night . . . ” Not just any shepherd’s or any flocks, but the lambs destined to be offered up in the Temple of Jerusalem as sacrifices, atonement, for the sins of the people.
That’s why the first ones to witness the birth of Yeshua/Jesus were the shepherds, because when a sacrificial lamb is born, the shepherds attend its birth. Not just any shepherd’s, but the shepherds of Bethlehem, the shepherds appointed to attended the birth of the sacrificial lambs. So the Lamb of God was born among the sacrificial lambs for the same reason, to be sacrificed in Jerusalem.
The plan of God was there from the beginning, and the Prophet Micah foretold His birth place centuries before. The entire purpose of His life was a sacrificial gift of love for all mankind. His entire life, even from the moment of His birth, was orchestrated to reflect His love for the world. Yeshua/Jesus’s entire life was a living sacrifice, every moment a gift given, the incarnation of true love.
Messiah came at a time when the Temple was still standing, when the priesthood of Israel was still in effect. The sons of Aaron had charge over the sacrifices and confirmed that each sacrifice was spotless and without blemish so it would follow that these shepherds were part of the tribe of the levitical priesthood assigned to the raising of the sacrificial lambs.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child…
So it seems that the sons of Aaron had charge over the sacrifices and confirmed that each sacrifice was spotless and without blemish. However, shouldn’t there have been some connection, some recognition given by the priests, of Yeshua/Jesus being the final and ultimate sacrifice?
There was, born to the cohanim, to the house of Aaron, a child who was not only a priest, but one descended from Aaron on both his father’s and mother’s line, a pure-blooded priest. The child was given the name Yochanan. We know him as John the Baptist. It was John who presented the Lamb, Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah, the final sacrifice, to Israel. It was the cohanim who identified the sacrifice and certified that it was acceptable to be sacrificed. Thirty years later it was Yochanan, John, His cousin, who first identified Yeshua/Jesus as the acceptable sacrifice, the sacrificial Lamb. It was John who declared the prophetic fulfillment, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
So it would seem from the scriptures that the
first non human evangelists were the angels
and the
first human evangelists were these shepherds,
the very ones whose responsibility was to care for protect and make ready the lambs for the Temple sacrifices.
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
