Shepherds After My Own Heart

Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible

Volume 20, New Studies in Biblical Theology

By Timothy Laniak

(paperback)

Product Details

Line: IVP Academic
Length: 313 pages
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches
Binding: paperback
Published: April 2006

ISBN-10: 0-8308-2621-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2621-6
IVP Order Code: 2621

Related Subjects

Biblical Theology
Pastoral Resources

Scripture says, "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. These traditions, explains author Timothy S. Laniak, provided prototypes for leaders that followed, and formed the background for the ministry of Jesus, the good shepherd.

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.

In this excellent study, Laniak draws on a wide range of Old and New Testament texts to develop the biblical theology of "shepherd" imagery, and concludes with some principles and implications for contemporary pastoral ministry.

A wonderful resource for pastors, teachers and seminary students, as well as readers interested in the study of biblical imagery.