Fathoming God: Jehovah Rohi

2014/March by Marji Laine 2 Comments

psalms What better way to follow Jehovah Shalom than with Jehovah Rohi. From the 23rd Psalm, this name of God gives reason why we can be at peace.

The meaning of this name of God is translated as shepherd, the one who fed, protected, and led his flock. The word is also extended to include friend and companion, giving us an attitude of intimacy with God. The kind of relationship for which He created us in the first place. So while the literal translation of Jehovah Rohi is, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” the name can also be accepted as, “The Lord is my Friend.”

Rev. Don Robinson from Brandonweb.com echoes this idea, claiming that “It is in the name Jehovah-Rohi (the Lord our Shepherd) that we find the most tender, most intimate relationship between Jehovah and His people.”

God is termed as the shepherd many times throughout the Old Testament. In Psalm 23:1, the focus is the feeding part of shepherding. We shall not want for anything because of His provision. In Isaiah 40:10-11, He also takes care of the needs of His people. “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd.” (Also a Handel’s Messiah lyric.)

In Psalm 80, He leads his people like a flock. Again in Isaiah 40:10-11, He gathers the lambs with his arm and carries the in His bosom. I love that imagery, though I picture a puppy instead of a lamb. And the phrase that follows: “and shall gently lead those that are with young.” What a blessed promise. And I have to say, I relied heavily on that verse when I was pregnant – all three times. Now as my children are no longer counted as young, a part of me misses that promise. And yet He still leads, cares for, and nurtures me, like a valued sheep of his pasture.

And because God values us, He seeks us out, like a shepherd who rescues those of his flock who are lost. He speaks this outright in Ezekiel 34:11-12. He claims us in Psalm 100:3, We are the sheep of His pasture.

Makes me think of a children’s song that I taught years ago. I remember little of it except something about wanting to be a sheep, Bah bah bah bah. And then I think of all of the people of this world who call people sheep in a derogatory manner. “Follow along, little sheep.” I think, “Thank you. I think I will.”

What a comfort and blessing it is to be a valued part of the Father’s flock. I’m happy to be a sheep:

I get my needs taken care of.
I get a new coat in the winter and get skinny in the summer.
I am safe when I’m following close to my Shepherd.
I’m protected from any wolf that might want to steal me away from Him.
I’m brought to the finest meadow with everything I could possibly want at my fingertips. Yeah, I’m really living in luxury!

And aren’t we? Carried, comforted, cared for? Led, inspired, educated. What more could we ask for than to be a sheep?

Your Turn: How is God like a shepherd?

Author: Marji Laine

Marji is a recently "graduated" homeschooling mom whose twin girls have blessed her by sticking around the nest for a little longer. She spends her days directing the children’s music program at her church and working with the authors of Write Integrity Press to put out the best possible version of their books. Raised in suburban Dallas, she got her first taste of writing through the stories of brilliant authors of their day, Mignon Eberhart and Phyllis A. Whitney, and through stage experience. After directing and acting in productions for decades, Marji started writing her own scripts. From that early beginning, she delved into creating scintillating suspense with a side of Texas sassy. She invites readers to unravel their inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that invites us all.