The Divine Names: Jehovah Raah--the LORD is my Shepherd. PT. 1

Good afternoon to all of you faithful readers!

It is a spectacular day in Northeast Ohio. The air is filled with sweet bird song, the mixed fragrances of things blossoming and the sounds of lawns being mowed.

I also had my first cataract removed this morning and my vision will need a few days to get back to normal. However, I feel a great burden to continue bringing the truth of the word of God before us. His truth gives us hope, life and brings transformation into our hearts.

Earlier in one of my posts, I mentioned one of the names of God and said that I would periodically share some of those wonderful names with you. I would like to look at a name found only 1 time on the Bible. Yet, it is a name that brings comfort to the sorrowing, assurance to the doubting and encouragement to those who are experiencing disappointment.

This particular  name of Jehovah Raah is translated as The LORD is my Shepherd. It was used by a shepherd boy who became Israel's king, King David.

Let's read these 6 verses together and I will try to show the beauty of this wonderful name of God. I am not sure how many posts it will take but I am certain that understanding this great name of God brings much blessing, hope and encouragment that we need every day.

Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

PATTERNS IN THIS PSALM......

16 pronouns (I, me, mine) are used in these 6 verses. The pronouns tell us that David enjoys a close relationship with Jehovah.

8 word pictures are used to paint a lovely picture of a lush countryside suitable for pasture.  Green pastures; still waters; path of righteousness; valley of shadow of death; a comforting rod and staff; a prepared table; an overflowing cup; the house of the Lord.

There are 9 actions that Jehovah undertakes for His sheep including leading, making, restoring, comforting, anointing, blessing and promising.

There are 5 contrasts placed before us to think about: Evil and good; death and eternal life; fear and comfort; our enemies and God’s presence; valleys of uncertain shadows and God’s table blessings.

LET'S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VERSES.....

Jehovah our Shepherd stoops to meet our deepest needs.

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The name Jehovah Raah is only used once in the Bible. The word “raah” means to feed, to graze, to tend to a flock and sometimes, to pastor a people. The word “raah” also means to have a friendship relationship with someone. A faithful shepherd never abandons his flock. Jehovah’s presence is assured.

Jehovah Raah is the God who is self-existent, holy, righteous & unchanging. He is the God who is full of lovingkindness and who will masterfully care for the sheep of His pasture. The same high and holy God who inhabits eternity is the meek and lowly God who stoops to be our shepherd.

It also reminds us that Jehovah in the flesh, our Lord of glory left the splendor of heaven in exchange for a humble birth. 

Shepherding was not a desirable occupation. In the times of Jesus, shepherds were looked down upon as the least respected laborers. They were considered to be eccentric people with poor hygiene. Yet, I would point out that in  Luke's gospel, the announcement of Christ's birth was made to lowly shepherds. 

We are not automatically born as sheep in Jehovah's flock. Only a born-again soul can confidently claim “Jehovah is my Shepherd." We belong to Jehovah and are bought with a price so we happily claim Him as our Shepherd.

As a noun, the word shepherd reminds us who Jehovah is, His perfect unchangeable character. As a verb, the word shepherd reminds us what Jehovah does, His unlimited ability to tend, lead and guide His sheep into the right path. 

The word “want” means to fall short of what is needed; to be lacking anything; to be deficient; to be without necessities. The person who calls Jehovah my shepherd will never lack anything as we lean on the everlasting arms in dependency. 

Paul tells us that our God can and will supply our needs, the most important need being the provision of salvation for our souls.

Philippians 4:19 ¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

WE SEE FROM VERSE 1 THAT LOVING CARE FROM JEHOVAH OUR SHEPHERD FULLY MEETS OUR NEEDS.

In ancient times, it would have been inconceivable that Holy God in heaven would humble Himself to be our Shepherd, yet this is what David is teaching us in this Psalm. 

The humility of Jesus Christ is brought before us in this wonderful name.  As we proceed through the remaining verses we will see the clear connections between Jehovah Raah and the Lord Jesus Christ.

POINTS TO PONDER.....

• Do you have a living, dynamic relationship with Jehovah our Shepherd? He wants to be your Shepherd and we can trust Him to lead us in the best paths for our lives. You must be born again in order to enjoy this relationship with our loving Shepherd. 

This is a most touching Psalm that clearly communicates the heart of God toward man. We will have much to think about, much to rejoice in and bright hope for the future because of knowing Jehovah our Shepherd.

Bob