How far were the shepherds from Bethlehem?

They had to travel 90 miles to the city of Joseph’s ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on into Bethlehem.

What are Levitical shepherds?

These shepherds were extraordinary shepherds. They were called “Levitical Shepherds”. They had been chosen and trained to attend the flock of sheep that were to be used as sacrificial lambs in the Temple. Sacrificial lambs had to be “spotless and without blemish.” They required special treatment and observing.

Why did the angels appear to the shepherds first?

God saw the shepherds as a group who would be honest messengers. The angels’ message to them was, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). In their time, shepherds were known as people who were honest and straightforward.

How did shepherds find Jesus?

There were shepherds taking care of their flocks at night. An angel appeared to them and told them not to be afraid as he brought good news, “This very day in David’s town your saviour was born – Christ the Lord!” They would find the baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger.

Who was the angel that appeared to the shepherds?

The angel Gabriel
The angel Gabriel appears to shepherds at night to tell of Christ’s birth. Elisabeth and Zacharias come to name their son. The angel Gabriel appears to tell of Christ’s birth.

What is a shepherd in the Bible?

The Old Testament refers to the shepherd to designate not only persons who herded sheep but also monarchical leaders (2 Sm 5:2) and God himself (Is 40:11; Ps 23:1). The prophetic literature refers to national leaders as shepherds (Ezk 34:1; Jr 23:1) (see Gray n.d.). The New Testament has 16 references to ‘shepherds’.

What is the significance of shepherds in the Bible?

It came to be a symbol of protection, power and authority. Even in Egypt, a divine symbol of kingship was the shepherd’s crook. It is true that the idea of shepherd as leader was not exclusive to the Bible.