Where does Jehovah Rohi come from, and what does it tell us about God?
The image of Jesus as a Shepherd is quite popular in Christianity. It appears often in the New Testament. Those who grew up in the American Evangelical church remember paintings of Jesus with a lamb draped over his shoulder.
Music often plays on this image—when I led praise and worship for teens, one of the most requested songs was “I Just Wanna Be a Sheep.” More recently, the song “Reckless Love” has become highly popular, referring to Jesus’ parables where the Shepherd leaves the 99 sheep in his flock to find the one lost sheep.
However, the idea of God himself as the Shepherd of Israel and his people comes from deep within the Old Testament, from the first family to the latter prophets. We must look at this section to understand Jehovah Rohi, God as Shepherd.
Where Does the Bible Give God the Title of Jehovah Rohi?
Jehovah Rohi is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible but is derived from a combination of two biblical words in Psalm 23, one of the most famous and beloved passages in the Old Testament. “Jehovah” is a variant of the divine name “Yahweh,” which is often translated as “the Lord,” and “Rohi” means “my shepherd.” Therefore, “Jehovah Rohi” can be understood as “The Lord is my shepherd.”
In Psalm 23, David uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe God’s care, guidance, and provision for His people. David was a famous shepherd boy, protecting the sheep of his father’s house with his sling, so David’s familiarity with the job of a shepherd is crucial.
The concept of God as the Shepherd is vividly expressed throughout the Psalm. David defines God as his personal Shepherd, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” David continues to express how God has him lie down in pastures, leads him to water, guides him, and protects him from evil, even using the image of a rod and staff.
Psalm 23 is not the only Bible passage that describes God as the Shepherd. In the Old Testament, God is often called the Shepherd of Israel, emphasizing His role in leading and guiding the nation. For example, Isaiah 40:11 says, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (NIV).
In the New Testament, Jesus also identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11:
“I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (NIV)
This statement underscores Jesus’ sacrificial love and care for His followers, the ultimate expression of the Shepherd’s devotion to His flock. The reference to himself as the good Shepherd also served as a declaration of his divinity.
What Does Jehovah Mean in Hebrew?
“Jehovah” is a less accurate rendering of the divine name in Hebrew.
In Hebrew, the divine name is represented by four consonants: YHWH, known as the Tetragrammaton. Ancient Hebrew didn’t include vowels in its script, making the pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton somewhat uncertain. The name is traditionally believed to be a form of the verb “to be,” which conveys the idea of being. As a result, the divine name is often understood to mean something like “I am” or “He is.”
Because of the differing views of the name, readers of the Hebrew Bible would substitute “Adonai” (meaning “Lord”) when encountering the Tetragrammaton, indicating the name was too sacred to pronounce.
The name “Jehovah” is a relatively recent development in the history of how people have interpreted the Tetragrammaton. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century when Christian scholars and theologians attempted to vocalize the divine name using the consonants of the Tetragrammaton and the vowels from Adonai. They combined YHWH with the vowels from Adonai to create “YeHoWaH,” which later evolved into “Jehovah” when the “Y” was replaced with “J.”
However, it’s important to note that Jehovah’s pronunciation is not linguistically accurate: the letter “J” does not exist in Hebrew. Scholars and theologians do not use the name Jehovah, as it represents a historical misunderstanding of the original Hebrew pronunciation.
In contemporary biblical scholarship and among Jewish scholars and religious practitioners, the Tetragrammaton is typically pronounced as Yahweh or Yahveh. These pronunciations are based on linguistic and historical research into ancient Hebrew and the name’s pronunciation as it would have been in biblical times. “Yahweh” is now widely accepted as the closest approximation of the original Hebrew pronunciation of the divine name.
What Does Rohi (or Raah) Mean in Hebrew?
The term rohi, sometimes also spelled raah, is a Hebrew word that appears in the well-known Psalm 23:1. This word plays a central role in the comforting and pastoral imagery of God as shepherd. Hence, it carries profound spiritual and symbolic significance within the psalm’s context.
Rohi is derived from the Hebrew root ra’ah, a verb that means “to shepherd” or “to tend a flock.” This verb encompasses the actions and responsibilities of a shepherd, such as guiding, caring for, and protecting the sheep. Therefore, when the Psalmist declares, “The Lord is my shepherd,” it conveys the idea that God fulfills the role of a loving, caring, and protective Shepherd in the lives of His people.
The imagery of God as a shepherd is rich and multifaceted in the Bible. It reflects the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common occupation. It also carries spiritual and theological significance, emphasizing God’s intimate care, guidance, and provision for His people.
Using the word rohi in Psalm 23 conveys a sense of deep intimacy and trust between God and the believer. It paints a picture of a shepherd who knows His sheep by name and cares for them individually. This personal relationship between God and His people is a central theme in the Bible. It is often expressed through metaphors and analogies, including that of a shepherd and his flock.
What Does Jehovah Rohi Tell Us about God’s Traits?
Many of the Old Testament prophetic utterances speak about how the shepherds (priests, tribal leaders, judges, etc.) of Israel and Judah were evil, corrupt, or blind in their sin. The promise was that God would become the Shepherd, removing any need for these worldly leaders (Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23, and more). Of course, Jesus fulfills this promise: for God himself to be our Shepherd and leader.
Jehovah Rohi reveals several key aspects of God’s nature and character that provide profound insights into His relationship with humanity.
A shepherd’s primary role is to care for and tend to the flock’s needs. In the same way, Jehovah Rohi portrays God as a caring and compassionate deity who takes a personal interest in the well-being of His people. He is intimately concerned with our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring we lack nothing.
Shepherds lead their sheep to green pastures and still waters, providing them with sustenance and refreshment. Likewise, as Jehovah Rohi, God offers guidance and direction. He leads us along the right paths, offering wisdom and insight to navigate the challenges and uncertainties we encounter.
Shepherds use the rod and staff to protect their sheep from danger and to keep them safe. God, as our Shepherd, provides protection and security in our lives. His presence assures us, and His power safeguards us from spiritual and physical harm.
The image of a shepherd with his flock underscores the idea of a personal and intimate relationship between God and His people. Jehovah Rohi reflects that God knows His sheep individually, calling them by name and tending to their unique needs. This intimacy is a testament to God’s desire for a close, personal relationship with each of us.
Just as a shepherd ensures that his sheep lack nothing, God provides abundantly for His children. His provision encompasses not only our physical needs but also our spiritual nourishment. In Him, we find abundance and contentment. This leads to our reliance upon him in peace and contentment.
When a sheep is wounded or strays from the flock, a good shepherd seeks it out, brings it back, and cares for its wounds. Similarly, God, as Jehovah Rohi, is a source of restoration and healing for our souls. He brings comfort, renewal, and healing to broken or lost people.
Ultimately, the role of a shepherd is to lead the flock to a place of safety and sustenance. In the context of Jehovah Rohi, God leads us to His presence. He desires an eternal fellowship with His people, where we will dwell in His house forever.
How Do We Remember God Is Jehovah Rohi Today?
To keep the truth of Jehovah Rohi at the forefront of our hearts and minds today, we can engage in various practical and spiritual practices that foster a deep and intimate relationship with God as our Shepherd.
- Prayer. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God as Jehovah Rohi. During your daily prayers, acknowledge God’s shepherding presence in your life. Thank Him for His guidance, protection, and provision. Share your concerns and fears, trusting He will lead you beside still waters and green pastures.
- Scripture Reading. Consistent reading of passages that depict God as a Shepherd, such as Psalm 23, can reinforce this truth in your mind. Meditate on these verses, reflect on their meaning, and allow them to shape your understanding of God’s character.
- Meditation and Reflection. Set aside time for quiet reflection and meditation on God’s role as your Shepherd. Contemplate how He has cared for, guided, and protected you throughout your life’s journey. Reflect on your personal experiences of His provision and faithfulness.
- Journaling. Keep a spiritual journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and reflections on God as your Shepherd. Document instances where you have seen His guidance and care in your life. Reviewing these entries can serve as a tangible reminder of His constant presence.
- Praise and Worship. Engage in worship songs and hymns emphasizing God’s role as your Shepherd. Singing praises to Him reinforces your awareness of His care and sustenance. You can also incorporate musical worship into your personal prayer time.
- Community. Share your faith journey with others in your faith community. Discuss your experiences of God shepherding you. Encourage one another in your walk with Him. Small group discussions, Bible studies, and church services can provide opportunities for communal reflection.
- Acts of Compassion. Emulate the Shepherd’s caring nature by engaging in acts of compassion and care for others. Being a shepherd to those in need, whether through volunteering, acts of kindness, or charitable giving, reflects God’s character as Jehovah Rohi.
- Sabbath Rest. Observe a regular Sabbath day of rest and worship. Use this time to focus on your relationship with God as your Shepherd. Resting in His presence can help you remember His role in your life.
- Mindfulness and Gratitude. Practice mindfulness and gratitude by acknowledging God’s shepherding presence throughout the day. Develop a habit of being aware of His care and expressing gratitude for His provision.
- Seeking Guidance. When facing important decisions or challenges, seek God’s guidance through prayer and seeking wisdom from His Word. Trust that He will lead you on the right path.
Incorporating these disciplines helps us to rest and rely upon the Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.
This article is part of our Names of God Series featuring the most used names and titles of God found in the Bible. We have compiled these articles to help you study all that God says He is and to help you understand His nature and character. Our hope is that you would focus on these truths and find hope as you rest in the promise of God’s presence, no matter the circumstances.
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