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Jacob met Rachel at a well in the field. It was high day. In Genesis 29:9, we read, "Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess."
Just like Jacob, Rachel herded sheep. Did you know she's the only woman in the Old Testament of the Bible whom God defines as a shepherdess?
The word "shepherd" is mentioned 43 times in the Bible. It must have been an important position to hold in biblical times. So, what exactly did Rachel, the shepherdess, do?
Rachel led her father's sheep to pastures and water. When Jacob first saw her at the well, she was there to water her sheep.
Rachel used her staff to protect her father's sheep from wild animals.
Rachel guarded her father's sheep at night. She counted them as they entered the fold to make sure every sheep was there.
How brave of Rachel to lead, protect, and guard her father's sheep. She stands among other shepherds in the Bible. Can you name at least three?
The main character in our children's picture book, The Lamb, is a shepherd named David. He is a good shepherd. He counts all his sheep before they enter the fold.
Parent Tip: Engage your child in the following discussion:
God defined Rachel as a Shepherdess. How do you think God defines you?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When you ask your child to compare and contrast information, and apply it to their life experiences, you are encouraging them to process information on a deeper cognitive level.