## The Names of God - Jehovah-Rohi

## Psalms 23:1

Over the past several weeks we have been looking at the various ways that God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture indicated by His names. Each name that God uses for Himself reveals to us an aspect of His character that helps us to know Him better.

- Elohim = God -- Creator, Preserver, Keeper of His Covenant
- Jehovah = LORD -- holiness (Truth revealer), righteousness, redemption
- El-Shaddai = Almighty God -- Our all-sufficient supply, Bestower of power, gifts, blessings, and the one who makes us fruitful
- Adonai = Lord - Our Sovereign God, Owner of all.
- Jehovah-jireh = The LORD will provide - He will see our needs and meet them.
- Jehovah-Rophe = Jehovah Heals - He will heal the bitter waters of this life.
- Jehovah-Nissi = Jehovah Our Banner - We are brought together under Him and He brings victory.
- Jehovah-M'Kaddesh = Jehovah who Sanctifies - He sets us apart unto Himself.
- Jehovah-Tsidkenu - Jehovah is Righteous
- Jehovah-Rohi - Jehovah is Our Shepherd

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.

(Psalms 23:1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Jehovah is the Shepherd of His People. The primary meaning of rohi is "to feed" or "lead to pasture," as a shepherd does his flock. There are many references to the Lord being our Shepherd.

I. The Jehovah-Rohi of the Old Testament

A. Ps 80:1 -- The Shepherd of Israel Leads

(Psalms 80:1) Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

B. Is 40:10-11 -- The Shepherd of Israel feeds

(Isaiah 40:10-11) Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 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.

C. Ez 34:11-12 - The Shepherd seeks

(Ezekiel 34:11) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

(Ezekiel 34:12) 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.

D. Psalm 100:3 - We are His sheep

(Psalms 100:3) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

(1 Peter 2:25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1. Note the example that Nathan used.

2. It speaks of the intimate love the shepherd has for his sheep.

3. This is the special relationship of Jehovah-Rohi to His sheep.

(2 Samuel 12:3) But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

II. The Shepherd's Psalm - Psalm 23

(Psalms 23:1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

A. Since He is my Jehovah-Rohi I shall not want!

1. I shall not want rest. v2

2. I shall not want refreshment. v2

3. I shall not want forgiveness. v3

4. I shall not want guidance. v3

5. I shall not want companionship. v4

6. I shall not want comfort. v4

7. I shall not want sustenance. v5

8. I shall not want joy. v5

9. I shall not want anything in this life. v6

10. I shall not want in the life to come. v6

B. Everything that the shepherd is to the sheep, Jehovah-Rohi is to His people.

1. He is the One who protects

2. He is the One who directs

3. He is the One who provides

III. Jesus is Our Jehovah-Rohi

(John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

A. He is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

(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.

B. He is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel.

(Ezekiel 34:12) 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.

(Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

C. Jesus as our Jehovah-Rohi

1. As the Good Shepherd He has made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

(John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

2. As the Great Shepherd He cares for us and provides for our every need.

(Hebrews 13:20-21) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. As the Chief Shepherd He is coming again for His flock.

(1 Peter 5:4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Do you know the joy of being one of His sheep? If not come this evening. Jehovah-Rohi longs for a personal relationship with you. Child of God, are we following His direction, enjoying His protection, and relying upon His provision? Are we longing for His return?