I will feed my sheep: and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.
אֲנִ֨י אֶרְעֶ֤ה צֹאנִי֙ וַאֲנִ֣י אַרְבִּיצֵ֔ם נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥י יְהוִֽה׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
"I will tend to my flock, and I will find solace in Him." This refers to the Church, where our Lord, the Shepherd of every nation, provides guidance and governance; in Him, our God serves as the sanctuary and peace for His sheep, in accordance with the Scriptures: "O Lord, thou hast been a refuge to us in generation and generation" (Ps. 89:2).
The assurance and expectation of eternal joy are limitless, for the Lord Himself declares, "I will feed My sheep, and I will not entrust them to foolish shepherds, and I will let them lie down," says the Lord God, "that they may rest in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
The law holds inherent goodness, and as the Apostle articulates, the commandment is sacred, just, and beneficial (Rom. 7:12). Yet, God offers a different realm of nourishment, having already provided one under the law. What, then, is this superior pasture beyond the pasture of legal observance? The Gospel clearly reveals this truth, nurturing the flock of God and leading them toward salvation. To emphasize this point, it is stated that on Israel's lofty mountain, there shall be divine glory. Although various mountains and desolations are acknowledged, his focus remains on this particular high mountain, where blessings for the flock are foretold.
The blessed David also alludes to this mountain, declaring, “The mountain of God is a mountain of richness: a mountain of election, a mountain of abundance” (Psalm 67:16). He then addresses the jealous mountains of Israel, questioning, “Why do you not recognize the mountain of election?” (Psalm 67:17). There is no need for such envy, for God delights to dwell there; His presence shall endure forever. Other scholars have offered interpretations: Aquila suggests, “Why do you dispute the mountain of election?” and Theodotion questions, “Why do you engage in judgment over this mountain?” Isaiah and Micah proclaim that the Lord’s mountain will be revealed in the latter days, and the house of the Lord will be established at the summit of the mountains, drawing all nations to it (Isaiah 2:2, Micah 4:1). The Lord proclaims in the sacred Gospel, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). Thus, the elevated and clear teaching of the Gospel is designated by God as a mountain, wherein, as He promised, the glory of the flock will abound. He further states: “And their enclosures shall be secure.” This pertains directly to us, rather than to the Jews; they had a singular enclosure in the Jerusalem temple, while we have countless churches across the entire world. They shall find rest and nourishment there, lying down in abundance on the mountains of Israel. “And I will tend my sheep.” The rich food signifies the Word of God; it is written, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 36:4). The mountains of Israel represent the prophetic scriptures that previously fed us, providing a pathway to ascend to a lofty mountain. Through prophetic messages, we are elevated to the Gospel teachings they testify. Our shepherd is the Lord Himself, who declares, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). He hints at this promise, saying, “I will tend my sheep,” and “I will grant them rest, and they will know that I am the Lord.” As His shepherds, we find nourishment in His teachings, akin to a verdant pasture, recognizing His sovereignty.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS