new studies in biblical theology 20
Series editor: D. A. Carson
Shepherds after my own heart
PASTORAL TRADITIONS AND LEADERSHIP IN THE BIBLE
Timothy S. Laniak
Apollos
InterVarsity Press
downers grove, illinois 6051
APOLLOS (an imprint of Inter-Varsity Press)
38 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GP, England
Website: www.ivpbooks.com
Email: ivp@ivp-editorial.co.uk
INTERVARSITY PRESS
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, USA
Website: www.ivpress.com
Email: mail@ivpress.com
© Timothy S. Laniak 2006
Timothy S. Laniak has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher or the Copyright Licensing Agency.
Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.
First published 2006
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
UK ISBN-13: 978-1-84474-127-4
UK ISBN-10: 1-84474-127-3
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
These data have been requested.
US ISBN 0-8308-2621-1
Inter-Varsity Press publishes Christian books that are true to the Bible and that communicate the gospel, develop discipleship and strengthen the church for its mission in the world,
Inter-Varsity Press is closely linked with the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, a student movement connecting Christian Unions in universities and colleges throughout Great Britain, and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. Website: www.uccf.org.uk
Affectionately dedicated to Wayne Goodwin, a mentor and friend who has inspired countless ‘shepherds’ to reflect theologically on the nature of ministry.
An exercise in biblical theology
Metaphors: ornamental or fundamental?
2 Shepherds in the ancient world
Pastoral realities in the Ancient Near East
Pastoral realities in the regions of Israel
3 Shepherd rulers in the ancient world
4 YHWH, Moses and the ‘flock’ of God in the wilderness
The literary setting of the wilderness stories
The leadership of YHWH in the wilderness
Formation of the covenant community
5 YHWH, David and the royal traditions
Narrative anticipations of David
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About Shepherds after My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). Most of Israel’s pastoral imagery is grounded in two traditions: Moses as God’s under-shepherd and David as shepherd-king. Timothy S. Laniak explains these traditions provided prototypes for leaders that followed. He forms the background for the ministry of Jesus, the good shepherd. He argues the pastoral role was central to the ongoing life of local churches in the Christian movement, and today’s pastors are still called to be shepherds after God’s own heart to lead his people, living on the margins of settled society, to their eternal home. He draws on a wide range of Old and New Testament texts to develop the Biblical theology of “shepherd” imagery. He concludes with some principles and implications for contemporary pastoral ministry. |
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