He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd

Behold, the Lord GOD (Adonay Yahweh) will come with might,

With His arm ruling for Him.

Behold, His compensation is with Him,

And His reward before Him.

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,

In His arm He will gather the lambs

And carry them in the fold of His robe;

He will gently lead the nursing ewes. – Isaiah 40:10-11

I can’t read Isaiah 40:11 without breaking into song. He Shall Feed His Flock is a glorious piece. But what’s the connection between verses 10 and 11? What does carrying lambs in the fold of his robe have to do with his might and his ruling arm?

This week, we’re looking at Yahweh Roeh, The Lord is My Shepherd. Just like last week, with The Lord is My Rock, there are two sides to a shepherd. Just as our Rock of Refuge can be a Stone of Stumbling to his enemies, the Shepherd both gently leads his flock and guards them from the enemy by his mighty right arm.

The first line of an old hymn says, “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild.” That mindset without the counterbalance leads to a distorted view of the Savior. To be blunt, he’s not a pantywaist. Gentle? Yes. Indecisive, weak, or spineless? No.

The Gospel Coalition has a great article on a healthy fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord is awe that the same God who comforts me and understands my weaknesses is ready to do battle against evil in the blink of an eye.