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Topical Bible: The Flock
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Flock</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_flock.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/bsb/psalms/23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/flock.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Flock</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_floating_axe_head.htm" title="The Floating Axe Head">◄</a> The Flock <a href="/topical/t/the_flock_of_god.htm" title="The Flock of God">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical literature, the term "the flock" is often used metaphorically to represent the people of God, with God or Christ depicted as the shepherd. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common occupation and sheep were a vital part of the economy. The metaphor of the flock is rich with meaning, conveying themes of guidance, care, protection, and community.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>The concept of God's people as a flock is prevalent in the Old Testament. <a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a> is one of the most well-known passages, where David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>). This psalm illustrates the Lord's provision, guidance, and protection, likening His care to that of a shepherd for his sheep.<br><br>In <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34</a>, God condemns the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd His people properly. He promises to take on the role of shepherd Himself: "I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD" (<a href="/ezekiel/34-15.htm">Ezekiel 34:15</a>). This passage highlights God's commitment to His people and His intention to provide them with righteous leadership.<br><br><b>New Testament References</b><br><br>The New Testament continues this imagery, with Jesus Christ often identified as the Good Shepherd. In <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" . Here, Jesus emphasizes His sacrificial love and dedication to His followers, contrasting Himself with hired hands who abandon the sheep in times of danger.<br><br>The apostle Peter also uses this metaphor in his epistles. In <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a>, he exhorts church leaders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you," reminding them that they will receive "the unfading crown of glory" when the Chief Shepherd appears . This passage underscores the responsibility of church leaders to care for their congregations with diligence and humility.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b><br><br>The imagery of the flock underscores the relationship between God and His people. It conveys a sense of belonging and identity, as believers are part of a community under the care of a divine shepherd. This metaphor also emphasizes the dependence of the flock on the shepherd for sustenance, guidance, and protection, reflecting the believer's reliance on God.<br><br>Furthermore, the flock imagery highlights the role of Jesus as the ultimate shepherd who not only guides and protects but also sacrifices Himself for the well-being of His sheep. This sacrificial aspect is central to Christian theology, illustrating the depth of Christ's love and commitment to His followers.<br><br><b>Practical Implications</b><br><br>For believers, the metaphor of the flock serves as a reminder of their need for spiritual guidance and community. It encourages them to seek the leadership of Christ and to remain within the fold of the church, where they can find support and nourishment. Additionally, it calls church leaders to emulate the Good Shepherd in their care for the congregation, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of their members.<br><br>In summary, the biblical concept of the flock is a powerful and enduring image that encapsulates the relationship between God and His people, the role of Christ as the shepherd, and the responsibilities of church leaders. It serves as a reminder of the care, guidance, and protection that God provides to His people throughout the ages.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/flock.htm">Flock</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vulture.htm">Vulture (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gier-eagle.htm">Gier-eagle (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/giereagle.htm">Giereagle</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flocking.htm">Flocking (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tyrannus.htm">Tyrannus (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/endeavoured.htm">Endeavoured (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/encamp.htm">Encamp (108 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/daybreak.htm">Daybreak (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/detain.htm">Detain (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dove.htm">Dove (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pergamos.htm">Pergamos (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pergamum.htm">Pergamum (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/portico.htm">Portico (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/porch.htm">Porch (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/prey.htm">Prey (105 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aristobulus.htm">Aristobulus (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solomon's.htm">Solomon's (56 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solitary.htm">Solitary (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/christs.htm">Christs (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/false..htm">False.</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/john.htm">John (154 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/morning.htm">Morning (264 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hawk.htm">Hawk (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leave.htm">Leave (341 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/town.htm">Town (861 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flock.htm">Flock (242 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birds.htm">Birds (125 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baptist.htm">Baptist (16 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/the_floating_axe_head.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="The Floating Axe Head"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="The Floating Axe Head" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/the_flock_of_god.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="The Flock of God"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="The Flock of God" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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