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Post by chrisg on Apr 7, 2016 4:41:18 GMT -8
Matthew 15v24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10v6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Who are meant by 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel'?
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Post by garrett on Apr 7, 2016 8:42:54 GMT -8
Matthew 15v24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10v6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are meant by 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel'? In Matthew 15:24 Yeshua refers to the "dogs of Israel." My study has led me to understand that the very common, uneducated Jews of the countryside were referred to as the dogs - as compared to the pious and educated priests and scholars who held so much sway over the lives of people. These "dogs" were frowned upon. And in Matthew 10:5-8 Yeshua orders the schlichim not to go to the gentiles or any Samaritan town, but only to the lost sheep of Israel. I think he's making it clear that he wants them to initially proclaim the news of the fulfillment of prophecy in the  and in the writings of the Prophets, since so many would plainly understand and recognize that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. Even the uneducated, through their desperation and trust would come to believe in him. And for those who reject this news....he told them to shake the dust from their sandals and leave town. |
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Post by alon on Apr 7, 2016 8:45:18 GMT -8
Matthew 15v24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10v6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are meant by 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel'? Metaphorically the term for shepherd, ra’ah, was used in all known periods of the Hebrew language to indicate a leader or ruler’s relationship to his people. It is used in this context as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is pronounced raw-aw; as a noun, ro-eh.
H7462 רעה râ‛âh raw-aw' A primitive root; to tend a flock, that is, pasture it; intransitively to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension to associate with (as a friend): - X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep [sheep] (-er), pastor, + shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste.
As a verb, it pictures what a shepherd does as he feeds and cares for his flock. An actual shepherd once told me what all is involved, and even as an ex-ranch hand I was impressed by the complexity of careing for sheep. The pasture had to be inspected for harmful plants. The sheep would drink from filthy or stagnant waters and so these had to be avoided in pasture and on the trek to a clean fresh water source. They were constantly watched for disease and parasites. And both breeding and lambing had to be monitored closely. Then there are predators, which in Israel in Biblical times were many and dangerous.
We tend to think of a shepherd as a lowly position of little importance. But the financial future of the family or the master was in the hands of that man or boy tending those sheep. The Hebrews and other Semitic peoples thought of that job as a training and testing grounds for leaders and kings.
2 Samuel 5:2 (ESV) In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince[leader, shepherd] over Israel.’”
Here the verb is used figuratively, as one who nourishes his people.
As a noun, the term is Biblically used for the Great or Good Shepherd, God, who pastures His sheep with all the care the term implies.
Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
John 10:11 (KJV) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
So this claim by Yeshua was no less than a claim to be God. It is one we don’t often consider, but He is taking a title here reserved for YHVH Ra’ah , The LORD [is] My Shepherd.
This title for God first appears in Genesis:
Genesis 49:24 (KJV) But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
Ro’eh could be used of human kings in the nations, but no Hebrew king claimed this title for himself. However other leaders were called by this appellative in scripture.
Isaiah 44:28 (KJV) That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Ezekiel 34:2 (KJV) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
The relationship of a shepherd to His sheep is used extensively in the B’rith Chadashah. A few examples:
Matthew 26:31 (ESV) Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
This was said to His disciples just after the Passover meal (the Last Supper). So for a short time, even the disciples would be lost sheep.
John 10:11, 14, 16 (ESV) 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Her Yeshua speaks of those sheep, or people who keep and have already accepted Him as their Messiah. These are Jews and proselytes to Judaism; soon to be the first Meshiachim. Verse 16 could, I believe, refer to both Jews who do not yet follow Him and to Gentiles who will convert not now to just Judaism, but to that sect of Judaism which accepts Yeshua as haMoshiach. And note to that He agains affirms one law; “So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” This is another reason I do not subscribe to an “All Dogs Go To Heaven” type of theology regarding those Jews who do not accept Yeshua. (And no, that is not a slam at Jews, it just refers to a popular children’s movie as a ‘type’ of that doctrine; so it is a slam at that doctrine, I suppose).
1 Peter 2:24-25 (ESV) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Isa 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Here the Kethuvai Sheliachim scripture makes reference to a famous one in the TNK, and then says “you were straying like sheep,” which suggests to me the reference is to the Jewish people.
Ephesians 4:11 (ESV) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
G4166 ποιμήν poimēn poy-mane' Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively): - shepherd, pastor.
So some men are called to shepherd the flocks of Yeshua’s sheep. I think I (not being bound by the anti-Semitism of the translators) would add Rabbis to that definition.
Sheep in the B’rith Chadashah are either wooly quadrupeds or followers of Yeshua/God. Those wooly bipeds who were referred to as “the lost sheep” are those who did not yet follow Yeshua, and “of the house of Israel” obviously refers to the Jewish people. Did this look forward to those Gentiles who would convert to the Nots’rim and later Meshiachim? Perhaps. And what of those Christians who “follow Jesus” but refuse to convert when shown the truth? That is a tough one to answer, and I am concerned about them as these are family and friends who I believe are in great danger. But just because many Jews were and still are lost sheep does not, in my view, mean they get a pass either.
I hope there is an answer in there for you somewhere!
Dan C
Sources: mostly I looked it up in Vine’s, but also I credit others who’ve talked on this and related subjects.
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Post by alon on Apr 7, 2016 8:56:20 GMT -8
Matthew 15v24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10v6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are meant by 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel'? In Matthew 15:24 Yeshua refers to the "dogs of Israel." My study has led me to understand that the very common, uneducated Jews of the countryside were referred to as the dogs - as compared to the pious and educated priests and scholars who held so much sway over the lives of people. These "dogs" were frowned upon. And in Matthew 10:5-8 Yeshua orders the schlichim not to go to the gentiles or any Samaritan town, but only to the lost sheep of Israel. I think he's making it clear that he wants them to initially proclaim the news of the fulfillment of prophecy in the and in the writings of the Prophets, since so many would plainly understand and recognize that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. Even the uneducated, through their desperation and trust would come to believe in him. And for those who reject this news....he told them to shake the dust from their sandals and leave town. garrett, I agree with you, but I'mm having a problem with tis "dogs of Israel" thing.
Mat 15:24 (KJV) But G1161 he G3588 answered G611 and said, G2036 I am not G3756 sent G649 but G1508 unto G1519 the lost G622 sheep G4263 of the house G3624 of Israel. G2474
G4263 πρόβατον probaton prob'-at-on Properly the neuter of a presumed derivative of G4260; something that walks forward (a quadruped), that is, (specifically) a sheep (literally or figuratively): - sheep ([-fold]).
None of those says "dogs." Much as I'd like to use your reference for my "All Dogs Go To heaven" comment, I can't! 
Can you explain this so I can shamelessly steal it from you and edit my post above to include it? 
Dan C
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Post by chrisg on Apr 7, 2016 9:15:14 GMT -8
I was asking because I have been reading stuff today and came across an interesting idea. Well actually, the idea came to me while I was writing an email to my son and so I looked it up wondering if my thought could possibly be true.
Way back in history there was one nation of Israel; they were called 'Israel. Then came the dividing of the kingdom and the two parts were called Judah and Israel; or more specifically, the house of Judah and the house of Israel. The house of Israel is ostensibly 'lost' (the lost ten tribes), but of course God knows who they are. These people, before the dividing of the kingdom, resided in Galilee and what is now Samaria. Jesus was therefore searching out the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' - ie those of the ten lost tribes who would accept Him as Messiah. [He also said 'other sheep have I who are not of this fold', indicating that it was not only Israel that He was sent to]. This would fit with the fact that the majority of His ministry was conducted in Galilee and surrounding areas, where the 'lost tribes' apparently settled and intermingled with Gentiles, losing their identity.
It was an interesting thought, but I need to check out the validity of that thought.
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Post by alon on Apr 7, 2016 10:05:02 GMT -8
I was asking because I have been reading stuff today and came across an interesting idea. Well actually, the idea came to me while I was writing an email to my son and so I looked it up wondering if my thought could possibly be true. Way back in history there was one nation of Israel; they were called 'Israel. Then came the dividing of the kingdom and the two parts were called Judah and Israel; or more specifically, the house of Judah and the house of Israel. The house of Israel is ostensibly 'lost' (the lost ten tribes), but of course God knows who they are. These people, before the dividing of the kingdom, resided in Galilee and what is now Samaria. Jesus was therefore searching out the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' - ie those of the ten lost tribes who would accept Him as Messiah. [He also said 'other sheep have I who are not of this fold', indicating that it was not only Israel that He was sent to]. This would fit with the fact that the majority of His ministry was conducted in Galilee and surrounding areas, where the 'lost tribes' apparently settled and intermingled with Gentiles, losing their identity. It was an interesting thought, but I need to check out the validity of that thought. Actually, Samaria was south of the Galil, which archaeology confirms was mostly vacant until about 100 yrs before Yeshua. The Assyrians had a policy of scattering their captives throughout their empire, which was vast, in order to totally destroy their national identity. They were forced to mix with others both socially and in marriage, thus destroying their religion and their racial purity. So like Jews today, there were no true Jews left when some of them returned. And as garrett said, the disciples were told specifically not to go to them, but instead to the lost sheep of Israel. So I don't think this is who was meant by your reference.
Matthew 10:5-6 (ESV) These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Perhaps the same as anyone those who would later join themselves to the Nots'rim were also meant. But I think Yeshua was primarily referring to the Jews of Israel; or Roman Palestine. Those lost tribes are truly "lost," as they are no longer Jews. There are no pure Jews of the "Lost Tribes of Israel" hiding in Denmark or Egypt or anywhere. There are those who descended from Jews who still keep and practice Judaism. But they'd more accurately be called Jews of the Diaspora.
Yeshua ministered in the Galil because that's where He was from, and it's being on a major trade route and central to many of the nations those who followed Him there could do what Jews were always supposed to do: be a light to the world, drawing people to themselves and the God they served. Well, that's why I think He ministered there. And this would come later, after His death and resurrection. God does nothing by accident or chance. He always has a plan. And that plan has always been the same- salvation comes through (not by) the Jewish people. Before others could be drawn in, He had to get a lot of Jews on board. These were who He initially ministered to.
Dan C
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Post by jimmie on Apr 7, 2016 13:57:23 GMT -8
(John 1:47 KJV) Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith to him Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.
What struck me as peculiar about this statement, as it is recorded here, is the "an Israelite indeed" part. Surely the other apostles were true descendants of Israel. There is some interesting biblical genealogy behind the Bartholomew (as Nathanael is referred to in the other Gospels) name, that might suggest that he wasn't a true Israelite in the sense of being a physical descendant of Jacob.
The name Bartholomew means "a son of Talmai". Talmai ruled in Hebron when the Israelites spied out the land before their 40 years of wandering (Numbers 13:22), was driven out of Hebron by Caleb after the 40 years (Joshua 15:14), and was finally killed by the descendants of Judah after Joshua had died (Judges 1:10). This Talmai line appears to be an ancient one only 5 generations from Noah (Noah->Ham->Canaan->Arva->Anak->Talmai)
... Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; (II Samuel 3:3 NKJV)
But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. (II Samuel 13:37 NKJV).
Also, note the semblance of the name “Talmai” to that of Ptolemy and the correspondence of the domain of rulership (Egypt) may also suggest a link between the Talmai lineage and the great Ptolemaic dynasty which ruled Egypt from 305 to 30 years before the time of Jesus.
What I am suggesting is Nathanael/Bartholomew was a Greek turned into an Israelite indeed (in actions) and the lost sheep of the House of Israel are most likely Israelites turned into Greeks or at least in league with the Greeks such as the Herodians.
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Post by garrett on Apr 7, 2016 19:41:17 GMT -8
In Matthew 15:24 Yeshua refers to the "dogs of Israel." My study has led me to understand that the very common, uneducated Jews of the countryside were referred to as the dogs - as compared to the pious and educated priests and scholars who held so much sway over the lives of people. These "dogs" were frowned upon. And in Matthew 10:5-8 Yeshua orders the schlichim not to go to the gentiles or any Samaritan town, but only to the lost sheep of Israel. I think he's making it clear that he wants them to initially proclaim the news of the fulfillment of prophecy in the and in the writings of the Prophets, since so many would plainly understand and recognize that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. Even the uneducated, through their desperation and trust would come to believe in him. And for those who reject this news....he told them to shake the dust from their sandals and leave town. garrett, I agree with you, but I'mm having a problem with tis "dogs of Israel" thing.
Mat 15:24 (KJV) But G1161 he G3588 answered G611 and said, G2036 I am not G3756 sent G649 but G1508 unto G1519 the lost G622 sheep G4263 of the house G3624 of Israel. G2474
G4263 πρόβατον probaton prob'-at-on Properly the neuter of a presumed derivative of G4260; something that walks forward (a quadruped), that is, (specifically) a sheep (literally or figuratively): - sheep ([-fold]).
None of those says "dogs." Much as I'd like to use your reference for my "All Dogs Go To heaven" comment, I can't!
Can you explain this so I can shamelessly steal it from you and edit my post above to include it?
Dan C
Sorry Dan - I should have clarified this more... I'll back up a few verses in Matthew, Chapter 15, as I should have. Matthew 15:21-28 "Now Yeshua left from there and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that district came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, O Master, Ben-David! My daughter is severely tormented by a demon." But He did not answer her a word. And when His disciples came, they were urging Him, saying, "Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us." But He responded, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (this woman heard what Yeshua just said...she is listening) So she came and got down on her knees before Him, saying, "Master, help me!" And answering, He said, "it's not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." (I imagine Yeshua giving her a gentle wink during this sentence) But she said, "Yes, Master, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then answering, Yeshua said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed in that very hour. (Tree of Life Bible) I imagine Yeshua was proving a point to all parties involved. I think He was waiting to see if the woman would press the matter further, in front of the disciples, after they asked to have her leave. And this woman was one of the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who better to clarify this than THE Messiah, in Israel, regarding the house of Israel? He is stating that He was sent to Israel, to the lost sheep, and the disciples didn't realize that she (this commoner, this dog) was the very reason He was there. Can you imagine the worth the countryside Jews had in the eyes of so many in the Sanhedrin? (but that's a whole other topic) Does that clear up what I was talking about beforehand? |
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Post by chrisg on Apr 7, 2016 23:34:20 GMT -8
(John 1:47 KJV) Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith to him Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. What struck me as peculiar about this statement, as it is recorded here, is the "an Israelite indeed" part. Surely the other apostles were true descendants of Israel. There is some interesting biblical genealogy behind the Bartholomew (as Nathanael is referred to in the other Gospels) name, that might suggest that he wasn't a true Israelite in the sense of being a physical descendant of Jacob. The name Bartholomew means "a son of Talmai". Talmai ruled in Hebron when the Israelites spied out the land before their 40 years of wandering (Numbers 13:22), was driven out of Hebron by Caleb after the 40 years (Joshua 15:14), and was finally killed by the descendants of Judah after Joshua had died (Judges 1:10). This Talmai line appears to be an ancient one only 5 generations from Noah (Noah->Ham->Canaan->Arva->Anak->Talmai) ... Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; (II Samuel 3:3 NKJV) But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. (II Samuel 13:37 NKJV). Also, note the semblance of the name “Talmai” to that of Ptolemy and the correspondence of the domain of rulership (Egypt) may also suggest a link between the Talmai lineage and the great Ptolemaic dynasty which ruled Egypt from 305 to 30 years before the time of Jesus. What I am suggesting is Nathanael/Bartholomew was a Greek turned into an Israelite indeed (in actions) and the lost sheep of the House of Israel are most likely Israelites turned into Greeks or at least in league with the Greeks such as the Herodians. That's very interesting. In response to your last sentence: I think we do get confused in modern English (and Elizabethan English for that matter) when we call all the Israelites 'Jews'. It appears only the house of Judah (ie the two tribes) are 'Jews'. But it has come to be that all Israelites are referred to as 'Jews', which I believe is one reason the verse about 'the lost sheep' is harder to understand than it might be. |
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Post by Elizabeth on Apr 10, 2016 4:25:08 GMT -8
Matthew 15v24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10v6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are meant by 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel'? Metaphorically the term for shepherd, ra’ah, was used in all known periods of the Hebrew language to indicate a leader or ruler’s relationship to his people. It is used in this context as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is pronounced raw-aw; as a noun, ro-eh.
H7462 רעה râ‛âh raw-aw' A primitive root; to tend a flock, that is, pasture it; intransitively to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension to associate with (as a friend): - X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep [sheep] (-er), pastor, + shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste.
As a verb, it pictures what a shepherd does as he feeds and cares for his flock. An actual shepherd once told me what all is involved, and even as an ex-ranch hand I was impressed by the complexity of careing for sheep. The pasture had to be inspected for harmful plants. The sheep would drink from filthy or stagnant waters and so these had to be avoided in pasture and on the trek to a clean fresh water source. They were constantly watched for disease and parasites. And both breeding and lambing had to be monitored closely. Then there are predators, which in Israel in Biblical times were many and dangerous.
We tend to think of a shepherd as a lowly position of little importance. But the financial future of the family or the master was in the hands of that man or boy tending those sheep. The Hebrews and other Semitic peoples thought of that job as a training and testing grounds for leaders and kings.
2 Samuel 5:2 (ESV) In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince[leader, shepherd] over Israel.’”
Here the verb is used figuratively, as one who nourishes his people.
As a noun, the term is Biblically used for the Great or Good Shepherd, God, who pastures His sheep with all the care the term implies.
Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
John 10:11 (KJV) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
So this claim by Yeshua was no less than a claim to be God. It is one we don’t often consider, but He is taking a title here reserved for YHVH Ra’ah , The LORD [is] My Shepherd.
This title for God first appears in Genesis:
Genesis 49:24 (KJV) But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
Ro’eh could be used of human kings in the nations, but no Hebrew king claimed this title for himself. However other leaders were called by this appellative in scripture.
Isaiah 44:28 (KJV) That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Ezekiel 34:2 (KJV) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
The relationship of a shepherd to His sheep is used extensively in the B’rith Chadashah. A few examples:
Matthew 26:31 (ESV) Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
This was said to His disciples just after the Passover meal (the Last Supper). So for a short time, even the disciples would be lost sheep.
John 10:11, 14, 16 (ESV) 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Her Yeshua speaks of those sheep, or people who keep and have already accepted Him as their Messiah. These are Jews and proselytes to Judaism; soon to be the first Meshiachim. Verse 16 could, I believe, refer to both Jews who do not yet follow Him and to Gentiles who will convert not now to just Judaism, but to that sect of Judaism which accepts Yeshua as haMoshiach. And note to that He agains affirms one law; “So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” This is another reason I do not subscribe to an “All Dogs Go To Heaven” type of theology regarding those Jews who do not accept Yeshua. (And no, that is not a slam at Jews, it just refers to a popular children’s movie as a ‘type’ of that doctrine; so it is a slam at that doctrine, I suppose).
1 Peter 2:24-25 (ESV) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Isa 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Here the Kethuvai Sheliachim scripture makes reference to a famous one in the TNK, and then says “you were straying like sheep,” which suggests to me the reference is to the Jewish people.
Ephesians 4:11 (ESV) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
G4166 ποιμήν poimēn poy-mane' Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively): - shepherd, pastor.
So some men are called to shepherd the flocks of Yeshua’s sheep. I think I (not being bound by the anti-Semitism of the translators) would add Rabbis to that definition.
Sheep in the B’rith Chadashah are either wooly quadrupeds or followers of Yeshua/God. Those wooly bipeds who were referred to as “the lost sheep” are those who did not yet follow Yeshua, and “of the house of Israel” obviously refers to the Jewish people. Did this look forward to those Gentiles who would convert to the Nots’rim and later Meshiachim? Perhaps. And what of those Christians who “follow Jesus” but refuse to convert when shown the truth? That is a tough one to answer, and I am concerned about them as these are family and friends who I believe are in great danger. But just because many Jews were and still are lost sheep does not, in my view, mean they get a pass either.
I hope there is an answer in there for you somewhere!
Dan C
Sources: mostly I looked it up in Vine’s, but also I credit others who’ve talked on this and related subjects.
Alon, if I understand your post correctly, "lost sheep of the house of Israel" is referring to Jews who did not accept Yeshua as Messiah? That has always been my assumption, and I think you are saying the same thing. I just want to check my assumption. |
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and in the writings of the Prophets, since so many would plainly understand and recognize that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. Even the uneducated, through their desperation and trust would come to believe in him. And for those who reject this news....he told them to shake the dust from their sandals and leave town.
