Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (New Studies in Biblical Theology) [Paperback]

Timothy Laniak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2006 | Series: New Studies in Biblical Theology (Book 20)

Scripture says, "I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). Most of Israel's pastoral imagery is grounded in two traditions: Moses as God's under-shepherd and David as shepherd-king. These traditions, explains author Timothy S. Laniak, provided prototypes for leaders that followed, and formed the background for the ministry of Jesus, the good shepherd. The pastoral role was central to the ongoing life of local churches in the Christian movement, and today's pastors are still called to be shepherds after God's own heart, to lead his people, living on the margins of settled society, to their eternal home. In this excellent study, Laniak draws on a wide range of Old and New Testament texts to develop the biblical theology of "shepherd" imagery, and concludes with some principles and implications for contemporary pastoral ministry. A wonderful resource for pastors, teachers and seminary students, as well as readers interested in the study of biblical imagery.

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From the Publisher

Features & Benefits

* Offers insight into the biblical understanding of the metaphor of the shepherd/pastor

* Presents an antidote to unbiblical notions of this metaphor and its pastoral implications

* Highlights the key elements involved in the development of this metaphor in the Bible

* Features a wealth of interaction with ancient Near Eastern culture and history

* Provides a definitive resource for exploration of this important issue

* Serves pastors and lay leaders who desire assistance in understanding this topic

About the Author

About the Author Timothy Laniak is assistant professor of Old Testament and coordinator of the Urban Ministry Certificate Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is author of Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther (Scholars Press, 1998) and "Esther" in Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther (NIBC, 2003).

Product Details

• Paperback: 313 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (April 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830826211
• ISBN-13: 978-0830826216
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and Insightful, January 8, 2007

By 

M. Young "Martin Young" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (New Studies in Biblical Theology) (Paperback)

I highly recommend Shepherds After My Own Heart, by Tim Laniak, for those serving in ministerial positions and/or interested in the biblical theology of the shepherd/sheep/flock metaphor found throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I also recommend this book for anyone interested in the study of leadership, Christian or otherwise.

Dr. Tim Laniak is an OT/Hebrew Professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. His book represents an exhaustive study of the shepherd motif/metaphor in the Old and New Testaments, as well as ancient near eastern cultures.

The analogies of a shepherd, undershepherds, sheep, goats, rams, ewes, and lambs provides a rich medium in which to help communicate the biblical theologies of 1) leadership, 2) the sacrificial care and concern of God for His people, 3) the visible church, 4) church discipline, 5) the role of human ministers, 6) the saving work of Christ, and 7) eschatology and judgment.

The book is written to accommodate both the common laity as well as advanced biblical scholars. Someone with little or no knowledge of the Bible will appreciate it, as well as the Biblical language expert.

In addition to its "standalone" value, the book has an advanced bibliography and detailed indexes to serve as a reference text for exegesis and sermon preparation.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent on the outside. So so on the inside., July 19, 2010

By 

T. Murphree - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (New Studies in Biblical Theology) (Paperback)

The book arrived soon after purchase. It was in pristine condition. The content reads like it is the author's doctoral thesis.