The Shepherd Trilogy

The Shepherd Trilogy

by W. Phillip Keller

This omnibus edition brings together Phillip Keller's three devotional classics, A Shepherd Looks and the 23rd Psalm, A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd, and A Shepherd Looks at the Lamb of God.As a shepherd, Phillip Keller knew what it was to protect a vulnerable flock on a daily basis. The special skills of a shepherd demanded compassion, care, and guidance. His practical experience provides a wellspring of profound spiritual insight, reflected in these timeless meditations on the most famous psalm of all, on the relationship between the Good Shepherd and his sheep, and on the sacrificial role of Christ the Lamb of God.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 9, 1996

About the author

Weldon Phillip Keller (1920-1997) wrote more than thirty-five books on Christian subjects, including his most popular book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 The son of missionary parents in Kenya, Keller grow up in Africa before becoming a world citizen as a photographer, agronomist, and author. His books have over two million copies in print.

Reviews

[Loraine Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading the first book by Phillip Keller A Shepherd's look at the 23rd psalm since I was in my 30s I had one copy of this and read it so often that it simply fell apart.

I can not stress the importance of this book as a genuine spiritual guideline for the Christians walk with Christ. I was so upset I could no longer read my old copy that I searched on amazon for another one so I could continue to read this over and over and was so happy to see that it now comes in this trilogy.

You not only get A shepherd's look at the 23rd psalm but you also get a shepherd looks at the good shepherd and a shepherd looks at the lamb of God . Each book is around 140 pages and I cant tell you how much this book has helped me learn about how precious we are in the eyes of Christ. I is indispensable to me and its part of my daily devotional reading.

Phillip Keller is a real Shepherd and has been for most of his life, he is able to give us a unique perspective on whats it really means to care for sheep and how their behaviour so often mirrors our own. We may often wonder why Christ referred to us as his sheep, I can tell you after reading these book you will totally understand why. This book has such important information for both new and old Christian's alike I really believe it should be thought of as a staple in christian teaching.

I have recommended this book to everyone I know and will continue to read and learn from it. This is the kind of book you just cant read once,each time you read it you will take away something new and uplifting. As I said I have read the first book many time and now that I have the full trilogy I'm so happy I can continue to learn from Phillip Keller with his unique experiences and unshakable faith In Christ Our good Shepherd

[Carmen Hartono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe W. Phillip Keller's 'The Shepherd Trilogy' should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand Judaism and Christianity. I would venture to say that it should not only be required reading for Christians and all those who follow the Hebrew faith, but it should also be required reading for Islam.

The three Abrahamic faiths are based on the words from Psalm 23: "The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I should want." These immortal words were written by King David, the only king that has ever united the tribes of Israel. Now, his psalms unite all of Christianity. But while he was a great historical figure, he knew he started as only a humble shepherd. He understood that he became king only by the grace of God.

How did King David come to understand such a deep mystery? By observing the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep, he was able to understand how Our Lord loves and cares for all of humanity.

Of course this book will not answer all the questions of human existence. But by writing about his observations as a shepherd, Keller can give us a present day understanding to what David wrote three thousand years ago.

[Sydney Schrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously fire- but lacking one star because the last part “A Shepherd Looks at the Lamb of God” wasn’t as good as the first two. But I love the way Keller wrote this one

[Rebecca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He is the owner who delights in His flock. For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe and flourishing under His care. This is indeed His very “life.” He gives all He has to it. He literally lays Himself out for those who are His”

Loved this book. Read slowly over the summer - coming back to Psalm 23 and John 10, those passages take on new meaning and depth in light of this book!

This is a combo of 3 books in one, the last 3rd I skimmed! First 2 are where I found the most rich content.

[Sherrye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first section of this book "A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm" was amazing. A real shepherder parallelled the tasks and perils of taking care of a sheep herd with Jesus taking care of us. The author retains a lot of clarity throughout!



However, the rest of the book. although good, is very repetative.

[Malinda F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Keller's A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm and got this book have my own copy of that and then read the other 2 books that are included. Absoluetly wonderful. I highly recommend all 3!

[Kevin Bessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up to read the first book "A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Pslam", which was a fantastic, expository review of Psalm 23. I liked how Keller mixed his experience as a shepherd with being a pastor to discuss the relevance and theological points made in Psalm 23. I learned some new things, such as what is meant by the tablelands (which for years had somewhat confused me).

Since I had the book, I kept reading and went ahead and read "A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd" which is an expository look at John 10. This chapter was a wonderful read and built nicely on top of the previous lessons in Psalm 23.

The last book, "A Shepherd Looks at the Lamb of God" was an interesting read to see how Christ has been represented throughout scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. I found the seven examples Keller used to be interesting and insightful as it relates to sacrifice, atonement, and Christ representing the ultimate sacrifice.

Pros: well-written studies on Psalm 23 and John 10 as it relates to shepherding.
Cons: not many, except that some chapters were maybe repetitive or longer than they needed to be.
Bottom line: I liked Keller's perspective and applications as it relates to Jesus Christ being our Good Shepherd and how He's represented across scripture.

[Kara Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often think about the fact that I stumbled upon the first book of this trilogy while walking around a thrift store. Phillip Keller’s words, and the truths behind them, have genuinely changed me! It feels like an act of God that I even found this book/series!

I have to say that “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” was definitely my favorite of the trilogy. I enjoyed the microscopic view with which Keller looked at Psalm 23
, breaking it down verse by verse. As the trilogy went on, it required hopping around to different books/chapters/verses of the Bible. While this opened my eyes to see just how much these themes come up, I have to say that I enjoyed the more in-depth study of Psalm 23 more. For this reason, I gave the trilogy 4 stars instead of 5.

While I enjoyed some parts more than others, I would still confidently say that each book in this trilogy will have a lasting impact!

[Joanna Fruhauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studying Sheep in relation to goats for a Bible study this was a great addition to learn from. The trilogy is a true classic. Keller’s background as a shepherd makes his insights into Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd, and Christ as our Shepherd come alive in such a personal way. The writing is simple yet profound, filled with imagery that draws you closer to understanding God’s care, provision, and protection. These books read like gentle devotionals—comforting, thought-provoking, and rich with spiritual truth. A wonderful set to return to again and again.

[Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book from start to finish he breaks down psalm 23 verse by verse and explains what it means from a Shepherds point of view and what David meant when he said the lord is my shepherd.
In the shepherd looks at the good shepherd he gets really biblical and shows similarities and analogies between himself and Jesus concerning people and sheep.
In the lamb of God he speaks on the first Passover and Jesus Christ

[Jenny Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bible is full of agricultural analogies, especially those of sheep and shepherds. Keller brings his experience as a shepherd to flesh these images out. As a not-shepherd (lol), I learned an awful lot. I benefit from this perspective as I continue to study Scripture.

Keller is so wordy. As rich as this is, honestly I skimmed in some places. It might have been better in the single books originally published - in this binding, 400+ pages of his voice is a lot.

[Janice Dimock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of 3 books- A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm, A Shepherd Looks at The Good Shepherd and A Shepherd Looks at The Lamb of God.

Phillip Keller was actually a shepherd, so he interprets the scripture from that perspective. His approach provides great insight and was well worth the read.

[Crystal Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! I loved every page. It is so good! I love the symbolism of sheep. This book deepened it for me! Book one and two of this trilogy were my favorite. This is a great read for someone wanting to deepen their understanding of God with His sheep. So good!

[Sherrese Holder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quote that stood out to me is on page 256. "My walk with God need not in any sense be a spectacular display of special dedication. It need not have any carnival atmosphere about it to be convincing. I don't have to indulge in theatrics to impress either Him or other human beings. "

[Christina Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” and was eager to read the other two. They are full of good content, but definitely more intellectual rather than experiential like Psalm 23 was.

[Jordan Higginbotham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this at church for a Bible study but we didn’t finish and I can’t bring myself to DNF a book. It was pretty good and I like the perspective from an actual shepherd. Some of it seemed a little repetitive. I think it would’ve been a good Bible study book if we have kept up with it.

[Anthony Settee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by a friend about a week after praying for a sign from my guardian angel.

Feels like a gift from the other side.

Great comparisons between the spiritual life and a shepherd leading his sheep.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful. Lovely devotional material.

[Kendra Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the shepherds perspective. It brings out so much more meaning in the Psalms. Absolutely beautiful.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! This is WONDERFUL. The 3 books are available as singles, but you'll be missing so much if you don't read all three. I have learned so much. Powerful!

[Brenda Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me incredible insight into the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, thus strengthening my relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd.

[Faith Detwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I SO loved this and was encouraged by a more in-depth look at what it means for Jesus to be the "Good Shepherd."

[Sue Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful and educational and inspiring from a real shepherd's point of view. I learned so much more about who My Shepherd's is (or should be).

[KristyLRod · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL!! STRONGLY recommend for any human - new or old believer!!

[Scott Pena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip Keller's Shepherd Trilogy was an eye-opening set of books. I found the first two books (23rd Psalm and the Good Shepherd) to be more enjoyable than the Lamb of God section. A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm was an amazing perspective on the classic and well known Psalm. Both the first two of the three books in this trilogy gave great practical application of the respective texts. I personally drew on Keller's work to make my own insights not only about the True Shepherd, but how shepherds (elders) in the Lord's church can and should be caring for their respective flocks. All of these books in this one volume solidify my understanding of the Shepherds care for me. I highly recommend the first two books and share a mediocre recommendation on the final book. I simply did not find the "Lamb of God" book to be as insightful and inspiring as the other books.

[Ronia Dubbaneh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trio of teachings written by a North African shepherd turned pastor - you can imagine the richness of the insight shared here. Biblical analogies of sheep, shepherds, and the lamb of God are explained and expounded upon. First book: on Psalm 23 (completely re-shaped my understanding of this psalm). Second book: on the Good Shepherd. Third book: on the Lamb of God (a beautiful reminder of Old Testament symbols and Jesus's complete fulfillment of them). Shepherding is fascinating, and the fact that God chose to reveal so much about himself and us through these images, analogies, and metaphors proves our need to learn more of it! This is a helpful start.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this 5 stars for the first 2 books in the trilogy. I was recommended to read them and they were very interesting. I found the first easiest to read, the second was a bit more difficult and the last book I did struggle with and speed read in the end. I have gotten so many gems from the books. I am glad I read them and would recommend them. The first 2 books are really very good and I gained such an understanding from the shepherd's view and I still learnt from the last book, I just found it harder to get through, funny enough as it is pretty short. Actually the bulk of this trilogy is the first 2 books, so it is worth the buy. Very interesting and insightful.

[Sarah]

This is absolutely fascinating. It is a refreshing look at the 23 Psalm and how the Lord is identified as "The Good Shepard." Mr. Keller writes a very comprehensive book showing the reader how the Lord treats us as his flock by comparing it to the life of a shepherd. I learned so much reading this novel (well, 3 novels). It is a wonderful way to get to know the Lord in a much more comforting way and seeing how much he loves us.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with a book club and learned so much! I didn't enjoy the second and third books as much as I did the first, but overall a great trilogy on discovering what it means that Christ is our Shepherd and we are like sheep. I will never read Psalm 23 the same way again for sure! Highly, HIGHLY recommend Book 1 (A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.) Second and third books have some shining moments for sure, but I don't think I will re-read and treasure them the same way I will the first.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible resource for understanding the Shepherd/Sheep imagery of the Bible. Due to the fact that most of us to do not live in a agrarian society, getting an inside look at the life of a Shepherd and the eccentricities of the sheep will help unlock the Bible in new ways.