What do you think?
Rate this book
Good Shepherd
Considers every major passage in the Bible that takes up the theme of the Good Shepherd, showing how each biblical writer adapted and applied the shepherd theme for his own situation and purposes. The Lord is my shepherd. Thus begins the most beloved of all Psalms - and thus begins a thousand-year journey through the Bible. Prophets, apostles and Jesus himself took up this image from David, reshaping it, developing it and applying it to their own situations and needs. Kenneth Bailey uses his celebrated insights into Middle Eastern culture and especially his familiarity with Middle Eastern shepherding customs to bring new light and life to our understanding of this central image of the Christian faith.With each of nine major Old and New Testament passages, Bailey reveals the literary artistry of the biblical writers and summarizes their key theological features. His work is also enriched by his unique access to very early Middle Eastern commentaries on these passages, bringing fresh understanding from within the mindset of these ancient worlds. The Good Shepherd invites us to experience a rich, biblical feast of ethical, theological and artistic delights.
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2014
114 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth E. Bailey
32 books120 followersAfter undergraduate and seminary studies, Dr. Bailey completed degrees in Arabic Language and Literature, Systematic Theology and a doctorate in New Testament. Ordained by the Presbyterian Church (USA), Dr. Bailey spent 40 years (1955-1995) living and teaching in seminaries and institutes in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus.
For 20 of those years Dr. Bailey was Professor of New Testament and Head of the Biblical Department of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut where he also founded and directed the Institute for Middle Eastern New Testament Studies. From September 1985 to June 1995, Dr. Bailey was on the faculty of "The Ecumenical Institute for Theological Research" in Jerusalem, with the title of Research Professor of Middle Eastern New Testament Studies.
In 1990 Dr. Bailey accepted the additional responsibility of Canon Theologian for the Episcopal Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, residing in Nicosia, Cyprus and returned a third of each year to Jerusalem to continue teaching at the Ecumenical Institute.
Dr. Bailey's area of specialty is the cultural background and literary forms of the New Testament. In addition to more than 150 articles in English and in Arabic, his writings include:
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008)
“Open Hearts in Bethlehem (A Christmas Musical)” (Louisville: W/JK, 2005)
The Cross and the Prodigal [Revised edition] (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2005)
Jacob and the Prodigal: How Jesus Retold Israel’s Story (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2003 )
Finding the Lost: Cultural Keys to Luke 15 (St. Louis: Concordia, 1992)
Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, l980)
God Is ... Dialogues on the Nature of God [Revised Edition] (Toronto: FFM, 2005)
Dr. Bailey has authored the scripts for two professionally produced feature length films and has also professionally recorded more than 100 video lectures on a variety of New Testament themes. He has taught at Columbia and Princeton and was for a time an adjunct professor at Dubuque, McCormick and Pittsburgh theological seminaries as well as at Fuller Seminary. Dr. Bailey has lectured in theological colleges and seminaries in England (Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol) Ireland, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Latvia, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and Jerusalem. He is active as a Bible teacher for conferences and continuing education events in the Middle East, Europe and North America. His writings have been translated and published into more than 20 languages. He is a member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and is listed in Who's Who in Biblical Studies and Archeology (Washington: Biblical Archeology Society, 1992). In March 1995, at the request of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Bailey was the Bible teacher for the triennial meeting of the Archbishops of the Anglican Communion. In 1999 he received the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary “Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Academics.” In 2003, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he participated in a Muslim-Christian dialogue conference held in Doha, Qatar.
The Baileys now reside in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bailey continues his ministry of lecturing, writing and recording in the field of New Testament. In June 1997, he was installed as Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church, USA.
Mrs. Ethel Bailey was a research assistant to Dr. Jonas Salk at the time he discovered the polio vaccine. She taught microbiology (in Arabic), raised a family, and typed a number of Dr. Bailey's manuscripts. In Beirut she was the recording secretary for the board of the American Community School. While in Jerusalem she was active in the leadership of daily worship at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute and in various other aspects of the life of the community. The Baileys have two children.
For 20 of those years Dr. Bailey was Professor of New Testament and Head of the Biblical Department of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut where he also founded and directed the Institute for Middle Eastern New Testament Studies. From September 1985 to June 1995, Dr. Bailey was on the faculty of "The Ecumenical Institute for Theological Research" in Jerusalem, with the title of Research Professor of Middle Eastern New Testament Studies.
In 1990 Dr. Bailey accepted the additional responsibility of Canon Theologian for the Episcopal Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, residing in Nicosia, Cyprus and returned a third of each year to Jerusalem to continue teaching at the Ecumenical Institute.
Dr. Bailey's area of specialty is the cultural background and literary forms of the New Testament. In addition to more than 150 articles in English and in Arabic, his writings include:
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008)
“Open Hearts in Bethlehem (A Christmas Musical)” (Louisville: W/JK, 2005)
The Cross and the Prodigal [Revised edition] (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2005)
Jacob and the Prodigal: How Jesus Retold Israel’s Story (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2003 )
Finding the Lost: Cultural Keys to Luke 15 (St. Louis: Concordia, 1992)
Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, l980)
God Is ... Dialogues on the Nature of God [Revised Edition] (Toronto: FFM, 2005)
Dr. Bailey has authored the scripts for two professionally produced feature length films and has also professionally recorded more than 100 video lectures on a variety of New Testament themes. He has taught at Columbia and Princeton and was for a time an adjunct professor at Dubuque, McCormick and Pittsburgh theological seminaries as well as at Fuller Seminary. Dr. Bailey has lectured in theological colleges and seminaries in England (Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol) Ireland, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Latvia, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and Jerusalem. He is active as a Bible teacher for conferences and continuing education events in the Middle East, Europe and North America. His writings have been translated and published into more than 20 languages. He is a member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and is listed in Who's Who in Biblical Studies and Archeology (Washington: Biblical Archeology Society, 1992). In March 1995, at the request of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Bailey was the Bible teacher for the triennial meeting of the Archbishops of the Anglican Communion. In 1999 he received the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary “Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Academics.” In 2003, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he participated in a Muslim-Christian dialogue conference held in Doha, Qatar.
The Baileys now reside in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bailey continues his ministry of lecturing, writing and recording in the field of New Testament. In June 1997, he was installed as Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church, USA.
Mrs. Ethel Bailey was a research assistant to Dr. Jonas Salk at the time he discovered the polio vaccine. She taught microbiology (in Arabic), raised a family, and typed a number of Dr. Bailey's manuscripts. In Beirut she was the recording secretary for the board of the American Community School. While in Jerusalem she was active in the leadership of daily worship at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute and in various other aspects of the life of the community. The Baileys have two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 4, 2016
Summary: A study of the theme of the good shepherd beginning with Psalm 23 and considering consecutively eight other passages in which this theme is found.
We lost a giant of biblical scholarship this spring (2016) with the passing of Kenneth E. Bailey. Raised in the Middle East, he taught New Testament in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem, and Cyprus. He brought to his scholarship an intimate knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, Arabic works, and the scriptures that shed fresh light on everything from the Nativity to the dearly loved Psalm that many of us memorized as children and have clung to in our darkest hours, Psalm 23.
Beginning with Psalm 23, Bailey considers eight other passages in the Old and New Testaments in which the theme is f0und of the shepherd and the sheep. These include Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2-12, Luke 15:1-10, Mark 6:7-52 (the feeding of the 5,000), Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:1-18, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Bailey contends that in these ten dramatic elements recur in most of these passages:
1. The good shepherd.
2. The lost sheep (or lost flock)
3. The opponents of the shepherd
4. The good host(ess?)
5. The incarnation (promised or realized)
6. The high cost the shepherd sustains to find and restore the lost
7. The theme of repentance/return
8. Bad sheep
9. A celebration
10. The end of the story (in a house, in the land, or with God)
Bailey then exegetes each passage. Over and over he finds a “ring” or chiasmus structure in these passages and draws out the meaning of the passage cameo by cameo. Along the way, his background knowledge of the Middle Eastern setting of these passages comes in as he describes the skittishness of sheep, who will only drink at still pools of water, the mace-like rod of the shepherd with which he fights off wolves and other predators, repentance as a willingness to be found, and the supreme risk of the shepherd in John 10, who of his own volition lays down his life for his sheep. I loved this description of the good shepherd:
“The good shepherd ‘leads me’; he does not ‘drive me.’ There is a marked difference. In Egypt where this is no open pasture land I have often seen shepherds driving sheep from behind with sticks. But in the open wilderness of the Holy Land the shepherd walks slowly ahead of his sheep and either plays his own ten-second tune on a pipe or (more often) sings his own unique ‘call.’ The sheep appear to be attracted primarily by the voice of the shepherd, which they know and are eager to follow” (p. 41).
One often doesn’t think of the shepherd theme in the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Bailey draws out both the contrast with the evil banquet of Herod at which John the Baptist was beheaded, which precedes this miracle, and the counter-cultural statement of the feeding of the 5,000, in the green grass, by the Sea of Galilee, where the people eat their fill and are led in paths of righteousness. In contrast to decadent Herod, Jesus reveals himself as the Good Shepherd of Israel.
Likewise, I and many others have puzzled over the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine for the one lost sheep. Yes, sheep are valuable. Yet so are the ninety-nine. But what would it mean to the ninety-nine, Bailey asks, that the shepherd went after the lost one? It meant that should they get lost, the shepherd would search for them as well. Every sheep mattered.
This is both good scholarship and good devotional reading that leads one to praise the Great Shepherd and to aspire to be a good shepherd to the extent that God gives that opportunity. I do not know if there are further works of Bailey’s that will be published posthumously. But in this final major publication Bailey sums up a life of devotion and fine scholarship in a book that is a gift to the church and her shepherds.
We lost a giant of biblical scholarship this spring (2016) with the passing of Kenneth E. Bailey. Raised in the Middle East, he taught New Testament in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem, and Cyprus. He brought to his scholarship an intimate knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, Arabic works, and the scriptures that shed fresh light on everything from the Nativity to the dearly loved Psalm that many of us memorized as children and have clung to in our darkest hours, Psalm 23.
Beginning with Psalm 23, Bailey considers eight other passages in the Old and New Testaments in which the theme is f0und of the shepherd and the sheep. These include Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2-12, Luke 15:1-10, Mark 6:7-52 (the feeding of the 5,000), Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:1-18, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Bailey contends that in these ten dramatic elements recur in most of these passages:
1. The good shepherd.
2. The lost sheep (or lost flock)
3. The opponents of the shepherd
4. The good host(ess?)
5. The incarnation (promised or realized)
6. The high cost the shepherd sustains to find and restore the lost
7. The theme of repentance/return
8. Bad sheep
9. A celebration
10. The end of the story (in a house, in the land, or with God)
Bailey then exegetes each passage. Over and over he finds a “ring” or chiasmus structure in these passages and draws out the meaning of the passage cameo by cameo. Along the way, his background knowledge of the Middle Eastern setting of these passages comes in as he describes the skittishness of sheep, who will only drink at still pools of water, the mace-like rod of the shepherd with which he fights off wolves and other predators, repentance as a willingness to be found, and the supreme risk of the shepherd in John 10, who of his own volition lays down his life for his sheep. I loved this description of the good shepherd:
“The good shepherd ‘leads me’; he does not ‘drive me.’ There is a marked difference. In Egypt where this is no open pasture land I have often seen shepherds driving sheep from behind with sticks. But in the open wilderness of the Holy Land the shepherd walks slowly ahead of his sheep and either plays his own ten-second tune on a pipe or (more often) sings his own unique ‘call.’ The sheep appear to be attracted primarily by the voice of the shepherd, which they know and are eager to follow” (p. 41).
One often doesn’t think of the shepherd theme in the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Bailey draws out both the contrast with the evil banquet of Herod at which John the Baptist was beheaded, which precedes this miracle, and the counter-cultural statement of the feeding of the 5,000, in the green grass, by the Sea of Galilee, where the people eat their fill and are led in paths of righteousness. In contrast to decadent Herod, Jesus reveals himself as the Good Shepherd of Israel.
Likewise, I and many others have puzzled over the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine for the one lost sheep. Yes, sheep are valuable. Yet so are the ninety-nine. But what would it mean to the ninety-nine, Bailey asks, that the shepherd went after the lost one? It meant that should they get lost, the shepherd would search for them as well. Every sheep mattered.
This is both good scholarship and good devotional reading that leads one to praise the Great Shepherd and to aspire to be a good shepherd to the extent that God gives that opportunity. I do not know if there are further works of Bailey’s that will be published posthumously. But in this final major publication Bailey sums up a life of devotion and fine scholarship in a book that is a gift to the church and her shepherds.
May 17, 2025
Bailey described this book as an exploration of "the good shepherd tradition" through scripture.
I found it to be much more than an exploration--it was a journey, an exposition, a weaving together, a cross-cultural commentary, a balm.
Jesus himself claims and carries the title shepherd--the Good Shepherd who with love and authority lays down his life and then takes it up again, because he cares for his own.
I texted a friend that every chapter was poetry and tables, two of my favorite things in the world. I need both to see and to savor the truth.
So I was really glad to spend my mornings here, leaning into knowing my Lord and my God as my Shepherd.
I found it to be much more than an exploration--it was a journey, an exposition, a weaving together, a cross-cultural commentary, a balm.
Jesus himself claims and carries the title shepherd--the Good Shepherd who with love and authority lays down his life and then takes it up again, because he cares for his own.
I texted a friend that every chapter was poetry and tables, two of my favorite things in the world. I need both to see and to savor the truth.
So I was really glad to spend my mornings here, leaning into knowing my Lord and my God as my Shepherd.
September 21, 2023
Kenneth E. Bailey has written many books that bring Western Christianity the gift of insight he gained from living and teaching in the Middle East and becoming familiar with the early Christian writings of the eastern church. In particular he has brought insight into stories like The Prodigal Son. He has written with the awareness of a man who knows how Islam views Christianity, and he has addressed their view of Christ and the Scriptures without being heavy handed or obsessive.
In this book, Bailey does something different, while continuing to shine a light on Scriptures with the same insights of his earlier books. He points out two patterns in Scripture that many of us are unaware of. The first is a pattern of writing he calls "cameos." He points out that throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels especially writers have a pattern in making their point as they arrange their statements in the cameos. The first cameo and the final cameo will often be on the same subject. The second cameo and the penultimate cameo likewise will have similar themes. Usually the main point is in the center (or center pair) of the structure. For example, the Twenty Third Psalm has this pattern:
Verse 1 - LORD / Shepherd, no wants
Verse 2 - Food and drink
Verse 3 - Rescue and security
Verse 4a - Death / evil, no fear
Verse 4b - Security / comfort
Verse 5 - Food and drink
Verse 6 - Goodness and mercy / LORD / in His house
This view is exposed in passage after passage, and it makes you stop and think. While the pattern above makes "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil" as the main point of the Psalm, I think this makes the final verse even more powerful.
The second (and main) pattern is the basis for the book's title (A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23). Bailey points out that there is a pattern in Psalm 23 that readers familiar with the psalm saw in the prophets' writings about good shepherds, bad shepherds and God coming as a shepherd. Bailey points out that Jesus (and Peter) used this pattern in the New Testament.
There is a wealth of spiritual insight into the Scriptures and Christ's work in this book. When I first got the book I was too busy to absorb it, but this summer I was able to focus and drink in the contents. It's an amazing contribution to the Christian faith!
Unless you're a pastor or professor with a knowledge of literature or have some familiarity with Hebrew, this is probably not the first of Bailey's book to read. I recommend Bailey's The Cross and the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants or Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels , two of the books through which I first discovered Kenneth E. Bailey and learned to look at the Scriptures in a fresh way.
In this book, Bailey does something different, while continuing to shine a light on Scriptures with the same insights of his earlier books. He points out two patterns in Scripture that many of us are unaware of. The first is a pattern of writing he calls "cameos." He points out that throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels especially writers have a pattern in making their point as they arrange their statements in the cameos. The first cameo and the final cameo will often be on the same subject. The second cameo and the penultimate cameo likewise will have similar themes. Usually the main point is in the center (or center pair) of the structure. For example, the Twenty Third Psalm has this pattern:
Verse 1 - LORD / Shepherd, no wants
Verse 2 - Food and drink
Verse 3 - Rescue and security
Verse 4a - Death / evil, no fear
Verse 4b - Security / comfort
Verse 5 - Food and drink
Verse 6 - Goodness and mercy / LORD / in His house
This view is exposed in passage after passage, and it makes you stop and think. While the pattern above makes "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil" as the main point of the Psalm, I think this makes the final verse even more powerful.
The second (and main) pattern is the basis for the book's title (A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23). Bailey points out that there is a pattern in Psalm 23 that readers familiar with the psalm saw in the prophets' writings about good shepherds, bad shepherds and God coming as a shepherd. Bailey points out that Jesus (and Peter) used this pattern in the New Testament.
There is a wealth of spiritual insight into the Scriptures and Christ's work in this book. When I first got the book I was too busy to absorb it, but this summer I was able to focus and drink in the contents. It's an amazing contribution to the Christian faith!
Unless you're a pastor or professor with a knowledge of literature or have some familiarity with Hebrew, this is probably not the first of Bailey's book to read. I recommend Bailey's The Cross and the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants or Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels , two of the books through which I first discovered Kenneth E. Bailey and learned to look at the Scriptures in a fresh way.
July 14, 2021
I am extremely fond of Psalm 23 and know it by heart, like many people. But there were things I didn’t really understand. What did it mean that he led me in the paths of righteousness right after he fed me and gave me to drink? Why would he (or she?) prepare a table for me before my enemies if I am a sheep, which is what the reader is supposed to be? When I saw this book I was very interested. It did not disappoint, now I have a much better grasp of this loveliest of psalms, the beginning of a long tradition of good shepherd writings that snakes through the Old Testament, all four gospels and ends in 1 Peter. Now I see how the Psalm relates to the execution of John by Herod on Salome’s behalf, how this in turn drove Jesus to the feeding of the 5.000, and how the Good Shepherd theme is developed in the prodigal son parable. Beyond its scriptural lucidity , the book is full of tidbits of middle eastern shepherd lore personally observed by the author in the many decades he taught there. It is also very humane, rigorous but gentle, respectful also of Muslim and Jewish sensibilities and very well informed about them. A refreshing, lovely read for any Christian of whatever Church or persuasion.
August 13, 2025
Fascinating biblical and theological commentary. I wont read any of these passages the same way ever again. And that’s a good thing (for the most part).
December 20, 2025
This book is utterly brilliant!!! I am sooooo pleased this was my last book of 2025 - what better way to end the year?!
I've read a handful of books on Psalm 23, ranging from deeply pastoral to intensely theological (obviously those two descriptions don't have to be polar opposites but you get what I'm trying to say). This book leaned more on the theological/scriptural studies end, yet I also felt deeply moved and comforted as I read it.
Bailey is a very gifted theologian and the Church is better off because of his work. What I particularly enjoy about him is that he's actually "walked the walk", i.e. when he makes reference to Middle Eastern traditions, he has literally lived and walked with those communities for many years, so is truly "qualified" to speak on such things.
The way he writes about ancient traditions is beautiful and he weaves scriptural themes into daily life (both in the East and West) so seamlessly. His writing makes me keen to live out the gospel truths that are embedded in my heart.
Bailey is also unafraid to call out the areas in culture and/or the Church that need to be dealt with. He does not beat around the bush and I massively respect this! A particular favourite of mine is when he was discussing Ezekiel: "Now the returnees are to have a 'covenant of peace' in the land, and they will be so secure that they can 'sleep in the woods' because the non-Jewish village next to them, having been treated justly will invariably be a part of that covenant of peace."...to which he adds the footnote: "The European Americans who settled America across the last 350 years did not allow themselves to be informed by these texts." OOOSSHHHH!!!!!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, with the advice that it is not to be read quickly but should be savoured and pondered upon. But, if you persevere and allow yourself to delve deeper into scripture than perhaps you have done before, you will find excellent teaching that leads you to a more intimate relationship with Christ!
I've read a handful of books on Psalm 23, ranging from deeply pastoral to intensely theological (obviously those two descriptions don't have to be polar opposites but you get what I'm trying to say). This book leaned more on the theological/scriptural studies end, yet I also felt deeply moved and comforted as I read it.
Bailey is a very gifted theologian and the Church is better off because of his work. What I particularly enjoy about him is that he's actually "walked the walk", i.e. when he makes reference to Middle Eastern traditions, he has literally lived and walked with those communities for many years, so is truly "qualified" to speak on such things.
The way he writes about ancient traditions is beautiful and he weaves scriptural themes into daily life (both in the East and West) so seamlessly. His writing makes me keen to live out the gospel truths that are embedded in my heart.
Bailey is also unafraid to call out the areas in culture and/or the Church that need to be dealt with. He does not beat around the bush and I massively respect this! A particular favourite of mine is when he was discussing Ezekiel: "Now the returnees are to have a 'covenant of peace' in the land, and they will be so secure that they can 'sleep in the woods' because the non-Jewish village next to them, having been treated justly will invariably be a part of that covenant of peace."...to which he adds the footnote: "The European Americans who settled America across the last 350 years did not allow themselves to be informed by these texts." OOOSSHHHH!!!!!
I'd recommend this book to anyone, with the advice that it is not to be read quickly but should be savoured and pondered upon. But, if you persevere and allow yourself to delve deeper into scripture than perhaps you have done before, you will find excellent teaching that leads you to a more intimate relationship with Christ!
August 23, 2022
Most interesting study of the Good Shepherd throughout the Hebrew and Greek Bible.
September 13, 2021
Wow! Fantastic!
December 19, 2014
The idea of the Good Shepherd is one of my personal favorites of Scripture. Here is a volume that really fleshes out that concept. The subtitle “A Thousand Year Journey From Psalm 23 To The New Testament” really captures what Kenneth Bailey has to say in this book published by IVP.
Mr. Bailey spent 40 years living and working in the Middle East including Egypt and Lebanon. Though he taught the Bible, he had plenty of opportunity to see culture not that far removed from Bible times. Merging those two–teaching and observation–has made this book a success.
His approach on the technical side is one where you will have to decide for yourself. His ideas of sequence and “step parallelism” are explained and traced in every passage he deals with. His ten themes well represent the items that we will find in shepherd passages, though all ten are rarely present in any one passage. In any event, I don’t find that the strength of the book.
The real value in this volume is the light it sheds on each passage it tackles. For example, as much as has been written on Psalm 23, he still had something to say. Check out the illustration he shares on page 42! How this shows God’s love and care for us is well drawn out.
Others passages include all the chief ones on the Shepherd theme. Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2-12, Luke 15:1-10, Mark 6:7-52, Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:1-18, and I Peter 5:1-4. They were all helpful, but the New Testament passages were especially rich. The last two were my favorites.
I recommend this volume.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Mr. Bailey spent 40 years living and working in the Middle East including Egypt and Lebanon. Though he taught the Bible, he had plenty of opportunity to see culture not that far removed from Bible times. Merging those two–teaching and observation–has made this book a success.
His approach on the technical side is one where you will have to decide for yourself. His ideas of sequence and “step parallelism” are explained and traced in every passage he deals with. His ten themes well represent the items that we will find in shepherd passages, though all ten are rarely present in any one passage. In any event, I don’t find that the strength of the book.
The real value in this volume is the light it sheds on each passage it tackles. For example, as much as has been written on Psalm 23, he still had something to say. Check out the illustration he shares on page 42! How this shows God’s love and care for us is well drawn out.
Others passages include all the chief ones on the Shepherd theme. Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2-12, Luke 15:1-10, Mark 6:7-52, Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:1-18, and I Peter 5:1-4. They were all helpful, but the New Testament passages were especially rich. The last two were my favorites.
I recommend this volume.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 30, 2015
Bailey is a careful researcher whose passion and experience shines through. He spent 40 years living and teaching New Testament in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus. I have another of his books on my shelf, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, that I’ve skimmed and am dying to find time to read. So, given that the Good Shepherd is a topic of great interest to me, this book was a gold mine. I wish had been able to read this book before writing my own about the Gospel of John, since the Good Shepherd (as well as the bad shepherd) is an integral part of John’s theology.
Bailey starts his analysis back in the 23rd Psalm. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. This Psalm sets the theme for later Old Testament writers, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah, who expound on the shepherd tradition in different ways. I’ll run a comparison of these Old Testament variants on the 23rd Psalm in a later post. The tone is then set for Jesus’s arrival, and all four Gospel writers embrace the image of a shepherd to describe Jesus, particularly in matters of salvation.
One of the most interesting parts of the book was Bailey’s own experience, and the experience of those he met, in tending sheep. How confidence is gained in the sheep, how they must be cared for, how they learn the voice of the shepherd, and more.
This is not light reading–it’s one of those books that you actually have to study to get the full benefit–but I highly recommend making the effort.
InterVarsity Press, © 2014, 288 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8308-4063-2
Bailey starts his analysis back in the 23rd Psalm. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. This Psalm sets the theme for later Old Testament writers, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah, who expound on the shepherd tradition in different ways. I’ll run a comparison of these Old Testament variants on the 23rd Psalm in a later post. The tone is then set for Jesus’s arrival, and all four Gospel writers embrace the image of a shepherd to describe Jesus, particularly in matters of salvation.
One of the most interesting parts of the book was Bailey’s own experience, and the experience of those he met, in tending sheep. How confidence is gained in the sheep, how they must be cared for, how they learn the voice of the shepherd, and more.
This is not light reading–it’s one of those books that you actually have to study to get the full benefit–but I highly recommend making the effort.
InterVarsity Press, © 2014, 288 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8308-4063-2
January 25, 2016
Perhaps the most beloved image for Jesus in all of Scripture is that of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd provides for our needs, gives us rest, protects us, is with us at the most treacherous times of our lives. The Good Shepherd knows us and calls us by name, and lays down his life for his sheep.
Yet the image as used in Psalm 23 and John 10 is just the tip of the iceberg in how the Bible draws on of this magnificent picture. It is used with twists and turns by the prophets, by Jesus and the other gospel writers, and by Peter. As Ken Bailey says in The Good Shepherd (disclosure: I work for the publisher), it is a thousand-year biblical journey with each author building on what has been written before while also giving his own take on the image to fit his particular circumstances and purposes.
For almost fifty years, Middle Eastern shepherds and their flocks have been part of Bailey’s life where he also taught the New Testament. So he brings to the book not only a keen biblical mind but an imagination shaped by the practices of peasant shepherds that has changed remarkably little from the time of Jesus. Bailey helpfully explains how these practices sometimes differ from those of shepherds in North America, Africa or other parts of the world that gives a richness to the text.
The Good Shepherd provides wonderful insights into four key Old and five key New Testament texts which can enrich our understanding and appreciation of Scripture. And through it all, we benefit from the supremely comforting reminder that the Lord is indeed our Good Shepherd.
Yet the image as used in Psalm 23 and John 10 is just the tip of the iceberg in how the Bible draws on of this magnificent picture. It is used with twists and turns by the prophets, by Jesus and the other gospel writers, and by Peter. As Ken Bailey says in The Good Shepherd (disclosure: I work for the publisher), it is a thousand-year biblical journey with each author building on what has been written before while also giving his own take on the image to fit his particular circumstances and purposes.
For almost fifty years, Middle Eastern shepherds and their flocks have been part of Bailey’s life where he also taught the New Testament. So he brings to the book not only a keen biblical mind but an imagination shaped by the practices of peasant shepherds that has changed remarkably little from the time of Jesus. Bailey helpfully explains how these practices sometimes differ from those of shepherds in North America, Africa or other parts of the world that gives a richness to the text.
The Good Shepherd provides wonderful insights into four key Old and five key New Testament texts which can enrich our understanding and appreciation of Scripture. And through it all, we benefit from the supremely comforting reminder that the Lord is indeed our Good Shepherd.
March 9, 2017
Opened my eyes
This book was literary enough (and perhaps far more than my intelligence deserves) to challenge my mind. And devotional enough to challenge m heart. Tracing the good shepherd through Scripture with special attention to how Eastern minds view this image was a growing experience for me.
This book was literary enough (and perhaps far more than my intelligence deserves) to challenge my mind. And devotional enough to challenge m heart. Tracing the good shepherd through Scripture with special attention to how Eastern minds view this image was a growing experience for me.
December 19, 2018
“But the psalm does not say “This valley is where the trail ends, get used to it!” Rather it is a valley through which the singer of the psalm may need to pass. But the psalmist knows that his journey does not end there. Certain types of people endure loss and allow themselves to imagine that they are trapped in the middle of that dark valley. Often the major problem in relation to the valley is the fear that it can generate. Such fear can cripple the traveler long before a valley appears on the journey. The journey itself through such a valley does not destroy joy as much as the fear generated by the anticipation of the valley. Not so for the psalmist, who knows that the dark valley is a defile through which he must one day pass, but he never contemplates dwelling in that fearful gloom. The way through it is open.” ~ Kenneth E . Bailey, The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament
June 3, 2020
The 23rd Psalm is oftentimes spoken of in funeral settings, have you ever wondered why that is, I did? After reading this book by Kenneth E. Bailey I have a new insight and appreciation for the 23rd Psalm. Did you know the 23rd Psalm is a reference in many other OT and NT scriptures? The book discusses these other scriptures and how they speak of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is explained in deeper origin versus just that the Shepherd is good. Why a Good Shepherd? Who and How is the Good Shepherd? What does a Good Shepherd believe and How does the Good Shepherd act? I think every Preacher should read this book. I think every Christian should read this book and those who oppose Christianity, full of new enlightenments on the 23rd Psalm and the Good Shepherd. Highly recommend.
June 27, 2020
Kenneth Bailey is quickly becoming my favorite Bible teacher and I long to get my hands on everything I can from him! This book on the the Good Shepherd is an exposition of Psalm 23 and the retelling and reforming of this theme in 8 others passages of scripture. Illuminating and encouraging! I especially loved how he pieced together Mark 6 so I now understand it as whole instead of it feeling like pieces. He also deepened and enriched my understanding on what it means for Christ to be the Good Shepherd and all that He has done for His sheep. No wonder the early church clung to this description of Jesus! The couple pages near the end where Bailey talks about glory and suffering are also worth the price of admission.
August 9, 2021
I greatly love and appreciate Ken Bailey and his ability to tie The Old Testament to the New. He is masterful at pointing out the assumptions and references first century audiences would have naturally made when Jesus or the Apostles were teaching. Every time I read his work it is like Christ and the New Testament as a whole become three-dimensional. This work does that for every instance whether explicit or implicit of shepherds and shepherding.
I think Ken is the last of the truly regenerate mainline Christians. Though his egalitarianism and quasi-pacifism does come through in this work (and could be seen as laying the groundwork for the social justice movement in the Church) it is easy to pass over for the true gleanings He offers from Scripture.
I think Ken is the last of the truly regenerate mainline Christians. Though his egalitarianism and quasi-pacifism does come through in this work (and could be seen as laying the groundwork for the social justice movement in the Church) it is easy to pass over for the true gleanings He offers from Scripture.
August 7, 2023
Bailey focuses on key OT and NT texts in order to explore the theme of Jesus as the good shepherd. He notes that while this motif is not very prominent in our day, it was very important for early theologians of the church. I have seen some compare this to the volume by Laniak, Shepherds after my Own Heart. But they are simply different types of work. Laniak's is more of a biblical theology of the shepherd motif whereas Bailey does a number of things in this book. He provides an analysis of the literary structure of each shepherd text in view, and in his comments he draws on actual shepherding practices to illuminate the text. While one may not agree with all of his conclusions, and at times I find him to be a bit repetitive, overall the strengths of this book outweigh the weaknesses.
January 10, 2024
Fascinating book by an author who has a deep and personal understanding of the Middle Eastern mind and thought ptrocesses. An interesting comment is that people of the Middle East tand to think in pictures, whereas we Westerners think in data and logic. That is why the Bible has so many parables. He does a good job of showing the common important points in the several scriptures that have the ‘Good Shepherd’ as a subject matter. The Psalms, the prophets, the Gospels, and the writings of the apostles.
He is very thorough, and it takes a little effort to get into the rhythm and explanations. Sometimes his thoroughness means that he repeats a point or conclusion several times. You may wonder, “Didn’t he just say that a couple of pages ago?”
It is worth the effort!
He is very thorough, and it takes a little effort to get into the rhythm and explanations. Sometimes his thoroughness means that he repeats a point or conclusion several times. You may wonder, “Didn’t he just say that a couple of pages ago?”
It is worth the effort!
June 28, 2019
This theological book looks at the idea of the good shepherd, starting in the 23rd Psalm, going through the prophets, and ending in the New Testament. The author lived most of his life in the Middle East, and he provides inside information as to Middle Eastern sheep-herding practices. The book is well-written, and very informative. Much of the information is available elsewhere, but some of it is unique. The author ends each chapter with a recap, showing how certain themes either appeared or did not appear in that version of the good shepherd story.
April 11, 2022
One of the more difficult aspects of biblical hermeneutics is the ability to understand the Sitz Im Leben (setting in life) of the original audience. Thankfully, there have been a rise of theologians over the years that have done a lot of the difficult work for us. Kenneth Bailey is one of those theologians, and in this particular treatise he shows us how the themes of Psalm 23, specifically the idea of a good shepherd, is couched in many Old and New Testament texts. You will find a lot of illuminating thoughts throughout this work and it is worth reading.
February 23, 2022
Dr. Ken Bailey was an expert in his field. There are very few biblical scholars who can pair the depth of research with clarity in writing the way he did. From Psalm 23 to 1 Peter 5, Bailey takes you on a journey into the shepherd passages of the Scriptures. Incredible work! I listened to this book on Audible but will have to go back and read through it as I study those particular passages. This will be a great reference/research tool for years to come for study and teaching/preaching.
July 17, 2015
The motif of God as our shepherd is perhaps one of the most familiar and beloved pictures of His interaction with us that can be found in all of Scripture. Psalm 23, an equally beloved and familiar portion of Scripture, outlines God as our shepherd, guiding and protecting us through both times of plenty and times of trial. But do we really grasp the beauty inherent in the reality of God being our shepherd and us His flock of sheep? It can be argued that the underlying meaning of that picture is not fully understood, especially in its ANE context nor in relation to how Jesus is noted as our shepherd in the New Testament. Kenneth Bailey, in his helpful and informative book The Good Shepherd: A Thousand Year Journey From Psalm 23 to the New Testament, walks the reader through Scripture and examines along the way how this shepherd motif is noted in God’s Word, what it means, and how it should be applied to our lives.
Kenneth Bailey is quite skilled at bringing to life ancient themes such as what is examined in this particular book. We often forget that Scripture was written in a particular time of history, often using certain methods of describing things that can be lost in translation for modern man. Shepherds were common place in ancient Israel but not so much in our towns and neighborhoods today. Bailey rightly notes “The Bible has hundreds of verses that mention sheep, shepherds, flocks, and sheepfolds.” Thus there are many passages that uses those words as pictures of our relationship with God. Bailey focuses on nine particular periscope that utilize certain “dramatic elements” or “clusters of themes” as he puts it, specific sections that really drive home and provide a flow of thought on this Good Shepherd concept.
These sections of Scripture are Psalm 23; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:2-12; Luke 15:1-10; Mark 6:7-52; Matthew 18:10-14; John 10:1-18; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. As noted earlier, most are familiar with Psalm 23; however, some of the other passages, their context, theology, and application of the concept of the Good Shepherd may not be as familiar.
For example, Ezekiel 34 speaks quite clearly about God’s role as the Good Shepherd. Since far too many skip over the books of the OT prophets, I was pleased to see Bailey interact with these books as it will certainly assist the reader in appreciating what the prophets have to say on a topic of such importance as this. In regards to Ezekiel 34, Bailey aptly notes how Ezekiel utilized similar statements as did his contemporary prophet Jeremiah. One distinctive difference is the “introduction of bad sheep.” Ezekiel also discusses bad shepherds and what God was going to do to those who were leading the people astray. Shepherds had the responsibility of caring for and leading the flock. As the Good Shepherd, God will deal harshly with those who have been given the responsibility within the Assembly of God’s people to lead and care for the flock.
Also of note is Bailey’s discussion of John 10:1-18, a passage where Jesus notes how a good shepherd is vigilant to fight off thieves and wolves from attaching his flock. This was a common occurrence for the shepherd during this time as thieves regularly would attempt to sneak in and steal sheep and wild animals would often attack the flock. Bailey does a marvelous job of outlining how a shepherd would position his flock, how he would station the sheepherders, and how it was the sheep recognized the voice of the shepherd. This was fascinating reading and quite frankly, this type of background commentary and information is a hallmark of Bailey’s books as a whole. He really brings to life and to our modern day understanding the how and what of such passages of Scripture, providing the reader with the ability to not only understand what it meant to deal with thieves and wolves, but also to better grasp how that ancient reality applies to how we deal with those who desire to steal and destroy within and without the body of Christ in our day.
For those who want to research any of the information discussed by Bailey in his book, an excellent bibliography is provided that will assuredly give the reader the ability to dig even further into this subject matter. With that said, the information provided by Bailey in this book will keep the reader quite busy with study material for many years to come. Each chapter is replete with a wealth of information, both background and outstanding commentary on the various texts that are examined.
This is a book I highly recommend. It is scholarly yet accessible and it interacts with a beloved and important picture that remains as vital for us today as it was for the original readers and hearers of Scripture. Bailey masterfully weaves historical information into the conversation while providing valuable commentary on just what God as the Good Shepherd is all about. It is a journey through Scripture worth taking.
I received this book for free from IVP Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Kenneth Bailey is quite skilled at bringing to life ancient themes such as what is examined in this particular book. We often forget that Scripture was written in a particular time of history, often using certain methods of describing things that can be lost in translation for modern man. Shepherds were common place in ancient Israel but not so much in our towns and neighborhoods today. Bailey rightly notes “The Bible has hundreds of verses that mention sheep, shepherds, flocks, and sheepfolds.” Thus there are many passages that uses those words as pictures of our relationship with God. Bailey focuses on nine particular periscope that utilize certain “dramatic elements” or “clusters of themes” as he puts it, specific sections that really drive home and provide a flow of thought on this Good Shepherd concept.
These sections of Scripture are Psalm 23; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:2-12; Luke 15:1-10; Mark 6:7-52; Matthew 18:10-14; John 10:1-18; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. As noted earlier, most are familiar with Psalm 23; however, some of the other passages, their context, theology, and application of the concept of the Good Shepherd may not be as familiar.
For example, Ezekiel 34 speaks quite clearly about God’s role as the Good Shepherd. Since far too many skip over the books of the OT prophets, I was pleased to see Bailey interact with these books as it will certainly assist the reader in appreciating what the prophets have to say on a topic of such importance as this. In regards to Ezekiel 34, Bailey aptly notes how Ezekiel utilized similar statements as did his contemporary prophet Jeremiah. One distinctive difference is the “introduction of bad sheep.” Ezekiel also discusses bad shepherds and what God was going to do to those who were leading the people astray. Shepherds had the responsibility of caring for and leading the flock. As the Good Shepherd, God will deal harshly with those who have been given the responsibility within the Assembly of God’s people to lead and care for the flock.
Also of note is Bailey’s discussion of John 10:1-18, a passage where Jesus notes how a good shepherd is vigilant to fight off thieves and wolves from attaching his flock. This was a common occurrence for the shepherd during this time as thieves regularly would attempt to sneak in and steal sheep and wild animals would often attack the flock. Bailey does a marvelous job of outlining how a shepherd would position his flock, how he would station the sheepherders, and how it was the sheep recognized the voice of the shepherd. This was fascinating reading and quite frankly, this type of background commentary and information is a hallmark of Bailey’s books as a whole. He really brings to life and to our modern day understanding the how and what of such passages of Scripture, providing the reader with the ability to not only understand what it meant to deal with thieves and wolves, but also to better grasp how that ancient reality applies to how we deal with those who desire to steal and destroy within and without the body of Christ in our day.
For those who want to research any of the information discussed by Bailey in his book, an excellent bibliography is provided that will assuredly give the reader the ability to dig even further into this subject matter. With that said, the information provided by Bailey in this book will keep the reader quite busy with study material for many years to come. Each chapter is replete with a wealth of information, both background and outstanding commentary on the various texts that are examined.
This is a book I highly recommend. It is scholarly yet accessible and it interacts with a beloved and important picture that remains as vital for us today as it was for the original readers and hearers of Scripture. Bailey masterfully weaves historical information into the conversation while providing valuable commentary on just what God as the Good Shepherd is all about. It is a journey through Scripture worth taking.
I received this book for free from IVP Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 4, 2021
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the journey Kenneth took us on over a thousand years as we studied the Good Shepherd. My heart was warmed as I read the profound truth that was presented.
“Hopefully the above study of the Good Shepherd biblical tradition will help us follow more perfectly the one who is able to bring out of His treasure what is new and old.”
“Hopefully the above study of the Good Shepherd biblical tradition will help us follow more perfectly the one who is able to bring out of His treasure what is new and old.”
November 6, 2022
One of the best expositions of the Shepherd motif through the Bible. Mr. Bailey has a background in the Middle East and knows the customs and brings those to life for the modern reader/christian. Very readable with loads of scholarship opening these scriptures. Benefitted from the way Mr. Bailey sets out scriptures in rings. Beats any other book on the same subject that I have read to date.
December 31, 2022
Seems like a definitive work on an important topic. Bailey grew up in the middle east and offers great insight about shepherding and what was meant in Biblical narratives which use this metaphor. He traces the usage of terms, words, and ideas through main passages in the Bible, highlighting similarities & differences.
February 18, 2023
I assume Kenneth E. Bailey and his cultural touch in understanding the Bible is fast becoming the most attuned with a balanced Protestant reading in my mind. The repetition of theme, the link with the feeding of the 5000. The links across major prophets. The continuity into living epistles and the responsibility transferred. Magnificent.
November 12, 2023
Excellent! I loved how in depth it he went with Ps 23 but also that it traced scripture from OT to NT. I learned many new things and ways to study scripture as it was written (ex, poetic and parable style). His Middle Eastern perspective was authentic and valuable. More “textbook-y” style but not wordy or incomprehensible. I recommend.
March 15, 2018
Using his extensive knowledge and background in the middle east and Israel, Bailey weaves together the shepherd imagery found within the Old and New Testament. This forms the identity of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Great book, astonishing how different the world of a herdsman is.
August 29, 2020
This was an excellent study on the theme of the Good Shepherd. While a little on the technical side it is very easy to follow if you take your time. I would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan on Psalm 23 or the Good Shepherd parables!
June 1, 2022
It's just a meditation of a theologian having enough experience of living in the Middle East. Lack of exegesis. People might think he did an exegesis through all of the cameos. But personally I think the ring cameo is useless. It doesn't make the text more clear. It's just looking beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews