NAME 11 of 16: YEHOVAH-RA`AH

This name, Yehovah Ra`ah, is a most interesting name and attribute of God because it embodies God as our shepherd and much more. The name is found in the following scripture that most of us know so well.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

Yehovah (the self existent one) is our shepherd. The word ‘shepherd’ is translated from the Hebrew word RA`AH, pronounced rä ä'. It is found 173 times in 144 verses in the Hebrew concordance of the KJV and is translated: feed, shepherd, pastor, herdmen, keep and companion throughout.

This image comes from the Catacombs of San Callisto, which date to the mid-second century AD.

The Hebrew context implies that God pastures, tends and feeds us like a shepherd feeding a flock of sheep. It also implies that He associates with us as with a special friend. Yehovah Ra`ah governs, nourishes, feeds and delights in us to the extent that He has personal interaction and association with us. How awesome is that!

Praise God now. Hallelujah!