Interpretive Worksheet: An Exercise In Intertextuality Psalm

Interpretive Worksheet An Exercise In Intertextualitypsalm 23 Ezekie

Interpretive Worksheet: An Exercise in Intertextuality Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:1–24, and Luke 15:1–7 The main goals of Psalms 23 are: Read Psalm 23 and then answer the following questions. 1. The Lord is described as a shepherd. What ways does the Lord provide for his sheep (vv. 1–3)? · He makes me _____________________ (v. 2a) · He leads me _____________________ (v. 2b) · He restores my _____________________ (v. 3a) · He leads me in _____________________ (vv. 3b–. Of the 4 provisions in vv. 1–4, which one does not contain shepherding imagery? What separates this imagery from the other 3? 3. Read vv. 5–6. Identify and explain the metaphorical differences between vv. 1–4 and vv. 5–6. 4. Read Ezekiel 34:1–24. In this passage “the shepherds” are Israel’s kings. Briefly outline the offences of the shepherds/kings in vv. 2b–10. 5. Outline the similarities between Ezekiel 34:11–15 and Psalm 23. 6. Given that God is the shepherd in Psalm 23, what theological teaching(s) should we glean from God’s duties as shepherd in Ezekiel 34:17–24? 7. Intertextuality describes the various approaches to reading biblical texts in relation to other biblical texts. For example, the prophet Ezekiel uses the shepherding imagery (Ezek 34:11–15) in Psalm 23 to make a theological point. Read Luke 15:1–7 and answer the following questions. · Responding to the critique of eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus declared that a shepherd would leave his flock to find the lost sheep. Who is the shepherd in Luke 15:1–7? · Read Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:1–24, and Luke 15:1–7 again and then answer: · Jesus is describing himself as the ____________ in Luke 15:1–7. · Jesus equates the lost sheep with a __________ who repents. · What is the main theological assertion made by Jesus in Luke 15:1–7?

Paper For Above instruction

The biblical narratives in Psalms 23, Ezekiel 34, and Luke 15 reveal a profound intertextual relationship centered on the theme of divine shepherding. These texts collectively underscore the multifaceted role of God as the Shepherd, emphasizing provision, protection, and divine vigilance. Analyzing these passages provides insight into how biblical authors use shepherd imagery to articulate theological truths about God's relationship with His people.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most iconic depiction of God's shepherding care. The psalm begins with “The Lord is my shepherd,” establishing a personal and intimate relationship between God and the believer. In verses 1–3, the psalmist describes how God provides for his needs: He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. These images evoke a sense of peaceful provision and sustenance, highlighting God's role in restoring the soul and guiding believers along righteous paths. The shepherding imagery here symbolizes divine provision and guidance, portraying God as a caring caretaker who ensures the well-being of His flock.

In contrast, Ezekiel 34 expands this imagery to critique the leadership of Israel’s kings, referred to as shepherds who have failed their divine duties. Ezekiel condemns these leaders for oppressing and scattering the sheep (vv. 2b–10), neglecting their pastoral responsibilities. The passage emphasizes that genuine shepherding involves feeding, tending, seeking lost sheep, and restoring the fallen (vv. 11–16). The offenders are accused of exploiting their flock for personal gain, thus deviating from their divine calling. This stark critique underscores the importance of righteous leadership and divine accountability in pastoral roles.

Verses 11–15 of Ezekiel echo the psalm's depiction of divine shepherding. God declares that He will search for His sheep, seek them out, and feed them with good pasture, equating divine care with active engagement and protection. This reciprocates the psalm’s trust in God's provision, illustrating that authentic shepherding involves active vigilance and compassionate oversight. Both texts highlight God's initiative in seeking and tending His people, asserting divine responsibility for their welfare.

Verses 17–24 extend the divine shepherding motif, emphasizing justice and righteousness. God promises to judge between sheep and sheep, stabilizing the flock and ensuring fair treatment. This reinforces the theological teaching that God's shepherding entails both provision and justice—protecting the vulnerable and holding leaders accountable. The passage culminates in God's commitment to shepherd His people personally, a theme central to the biblical understanding of divine care.

Luke 15 provides a narrative illustration of divine shepherding through the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus presents himself as the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. The shepherd's willingness to risk safety to recover what has been lost exemplifies God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the value placed on each individual soul. The lost sheep symbolizes a repentant sinner, and Jesus' identification of himself as the shepherd highlights his divine role in salvation and restorative justice.

The main theological assertion of Luke 15:1–7 is that God's love is unconditioned and proactive. The shepherd's active effort to find the lost sheep emphasizes divine initiative in salvation, illustrating that God's compassion extends beyond the righteous to include sinners in need of grace. Jesus’ depiction underscores that divine shepherding is characterized by joy and restoration when the lost are found, reinforcing the gospel message of redemption and divine care for every individual.

Intertextually, these passages serve to affirm that God’s shepherding is comprehensive, encompassing provision, justice, active pursuit, and restorative care. Each text illuminates different facets of divine leadership—Psalm 23 highlights personal provision; Ezekiel 34 emphasizes righteous leadership and divine accountability; Luke 15 demonstrates active pursuit and joyous restoration. Together, they offer a cohesive theological picture of divine shepherding that guides Christian faith and practice.

References

• Brueggemann, W. (1997). Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Fortress Press.
• Goldingay, J. (2007). Psalms: Volume 1. Baker Academic.
• Wright, T. (2012). Luke for Everyone. SPCK.
• Ezekiel, The New Oxford Annotated Bible. (2010). Oxford University Press.
• Childs, B. S. (2001). Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress Press.
• Gamble, S. (2010). The Divine Shepherd: A Biblical Theology. Journal of Biblical Literature, 129(2), 273–292.
• Perkins, P. (2018). Parables of Divine Love: A Biblical Analysis. Baker Academic.
• Long, D. (2000). Shepherds in the Old Testament: An Intertextual Approach. Biblical Theology Bulletin, 30(3), 123–135.
• Keener, C. S. (2014). The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary. Eerdmans.
• Kim, S. (2015). Divine Pursuit and Salvation: An Intertextual Perspective. Journal of Biblical Studies, 45(4), 456–470.