The Shepherd – This archetype is represented by David, who cared for his flock and protected them from danger.

The Shepherd archetype is represented by a variety of individuals throughout various cultures and religious beliefs. From the biblical figure of David to the Roman god of shepherding, Pan, the Shepherd has become an enduring archetype. The Shepherd serves as a protector of his flock – literally and figuratively – ultimately performing a redemptive role. In David, the Shepherd, is the embodiment of the traditional spiritual mission of the archetype; to provide guidance and protection, to empower, and to save.

David was born in Bethlehem, but was quickly displaced, running away to a nearby village and backyard shepherding to survive. In his time alone, on the hillside, an unlikely combination of strength and gentleness, courage and faith springs forth. Despite his youth and inexperience, he was able to defend his flock from predators and often braved the elements to find food and safe shelter. David’s uncommon courage was demonstrated when he faced off with Goliath with just a sling and some stones. His faith in his skills and the Lord gave him the strength to succeed. 

The Shepherd archetype is synonymous with leadership and guidance. David was an impressive leader, wise even in his youth. He was able to establish a large band of followers and devotees, using his innate understanding of people to bring them together. As ruler of Israel, he gave his people a vision and faith that they could call their own. David set a standard of justice and mercy, while still maintaining the stability of his kingdom. He was an exemplary leader and provided both protection and inspiration to his people.

The Shepherd is also a powerful symbol of redemption and protection. According to many religious beliefs, the Shepherd saves souls from danger and sin. David’s redemption of his people was twofold: He saved them from the enemy, and he saved them from themselves, allowing them to become fully committed to the Lord. Furthermore, David saw himself as the protector of the Lord’s flock, willing to stand up to anyone who threatened them. 

David is a timeless example of the traditional role of the Shepherd archetype. With strength, gentleness, faith and unswerving dedication, he was able to protect and guide his flock. He showed courage, humility and mercy in his role as leader and redeemed his people from danger and despair. His example of leadership and redemption has echoed throughout the ages, showing the strength of the Shepherd archetype in our lives.

The Bible has many verses that represent the archetype of the Shepherd. The following are ten of the most significant.

1. Psalm 23:1-6 – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

2. Isaiah 40:11 – He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

3. Ezekiel 34:11-16 – For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their folds be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

4. Matthew 18:12-14 – How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

5. Luke 15:3-7 – And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

6. John 10:1-5 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

7. John 21:15-17 – So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

8. Acts 20:28 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

9. 1 Peter 5:1-4 – The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

10. Revelation 7:17 – For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.