The New Studies in Biblical Theology series has proven to be one of the more theologically fruitful academic endeavors in evangelical scholarship over the past half-century. D.A. Carson is the series editor and he also provides a concise, well-written foreword to this current volume. Timothy Laniaks work develops a biblical theology of the shepherd metaphor throughout the Scriptures. And as Carson notes, This entails careful listening to a large number of remarkably disparate texts, with the aim of understanding how shepherd imagery functions in each and corpus of the Bible. Then it demands a careful attempt to delineate how such imagery develops over time (p. 11). Laniak is indeed a careful listener, reader, and synthesizer of such disparate texts.
The book begins with a rich, albeit difficult, examination of the metaphor. This is a scholarly, semi-advanced level discussion, but shouldnt dissuade the average reader from plowing through the rough terrain. Because on the other side, he will find lush pasture of historical summary of the ways in which ancient near eastern cultures used the shepherd imagery to define peoplehood and leadership.
From that point on, the book dives into the Bible, concentrating the majority of its efforts on the Old Testament. It begins with a two-fold foundation-laying analysis of shepherd imagery in the Exodus wilderness and the Davidic monarchy narratives. Laniak notes that these histories provide the paradigm for the Bibles later use of pastoral imagery. Writing on the prophets, Laniak provides great insights on longer passages (even whole books), like Ezekiel 34, demonstrating exemplary exegesis that results in theological and practical rewards for the attentive reader. He focuses on the key to the shepherd imagery: The divine preference for human [emphasis added] is amazingly resilient. As he observes, the portrayal of human leadership is radically theocentric, with the vision of YHWH seated on his throne overwhelming the merely delegated authority of appointed men. This holds true not only in Ezekiel but throughout the Bible. The shepherd-leader is in charge of the Lords flock. It is in this spiritual context that one is to understand the severe judgments upon false shepherds who exploit, neglect, and abuse Gods people. However, in each case, the prophets end with a dimension of hope, pointing forward to a new covenant wherein the Mosaic Covenant will be reinvigorated, a remnant of the faithful gathered, righteous and just human shepherds appointed, and wherein YHWH will be enthroned in Zion.
The handling of New Testament texts is equally incisive and compelling. He examines the Gospels, 1 Peter, and Revelation. However, one should be mindful that Laniak sees great continuity between Israel and the church, and this at times skews his exegesis. He sees the Gospels, particularly Mark, as equating Jesus with Israel. Other points of continuity, such as prophetic fulfillments and similar heart-attitudes/concerns between YHWH (in the OT) and Jesus are entirely valid.
The practical benefits of this book are great. One can readily apply the exegetical and theological insights gained from the texts studied to the sphere of our post-NT era ecclesiology. Such an exegetically powerful book provides a sure biblical foundation for implementing the shepherd imagery and all of its associations in real-life ministry. Jason Park, Christian Book Previews.com
