The shepherd's life of diligence and care-taking, and his tender compassion for the helpless creatures entrusted to his charge, have been employed by the inspired writers to illustrate some of the most precious truths of the gospel. Christ, in His relation to His people, is compared to a shepherd. After the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left the honors and glories of His Father's 191 house. He says, "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." I will "save My flock, and they shall no more be a prey." "Neither shall the beast of the land devour them." Ezekiel 34:16, 22, 28. His voice is heard calling them to His fold, "a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." Isaiah 4:6. His care for the flock is unwearied. He strengthens the weak, relieves the suffering, gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them in His bosom. His sheep love Him. "And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:5.

Det var nødvendigt, at hyrden vogtede sin hjord dag og nat. Fårene var udsat for fare fra røvere og ikke mindst vilde dyr, der var så talrige og dristige, at de ofte voldte stor skade på hjorde, der ikke blev omhyggeligt vogtet. Jakob havde mange til at hjælpe sig med at passe Labans store hjorde, men han blev selv holdt ansvarlig for alle dyrene. En del af året var det nødvendigt, at han selv til stadighed var hos hjordene, i den tørre tid for at hindre, at dyrene omkom af tørst, og i de koldeste måneder for at beskytte dem imod den stærke nattefrost. Jakob var overhyrde, hans tjenere underhyrder. Hvis der manglede nogle af fårene, måtte overhyrden tage tabet og han krævede de tjenere, som han havde betroet omsorgen for hjorden, strengt til regnskab, hvis den ikke var i den fineste stand.