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Patriarchs and Prophets
For twenty years Jacob remained in Mesopotamia, laboring in the
service of Laban, who, disregarding the ties of kinship, was bent upon
securing to himself all the benefits of their connection. Fourteen years
of toil he demanded for his two daughters; and during the remaining
period, Jacob’s wages were ten times changed. Yet Jacob’s service was
diligent and faithful. His words to Laban in their last interview vividly
describe the untiring vigilance which he had given to the interests of
his exacting master: “This twenty years have I been with thee; thy
ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young, and the rams of
thy flock have I not eaten. That which was torn of beasts I brought
not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it,
whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the
drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed
from mine eyes.”
It was necessary for the shepherd to watch his flocks day and night.
They were in danger from robbers, and also from wild beasts, which
were numerous and bold, often committing great havoc in flocks that
were not faithfully guarded. Jacob had many assistants in caring for
the extensive flocks of Laban, but he himself was held responsible for
them all. During some portions of the year it was necessary for him
to be constantly with the flocks in person, to guard them in the dry
season against perishing from thirst, and during the coldest months
from becoming chilled with the heavy night frosts. Jacob was the chief
shepherd; the servants in his employ were the undershepherds. If any
of the sheep were missing, the chief shepherd suffered the loss; and
he called the servants to whom he entrusted the care of the flock to a
strict account if it was not found in a flourishing condition.
The shepherd’s life of diligence and care-taking, and his tender
compassion for the helpless creatures entrusted to his charge, have
been employed by the inspired writers to illustrate some of the most
precious truths of the gospel. Christ, in His relation to His people, is
compared to a shepherd. After the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to
perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left
the honors and glories of His Father’s house. He says, “I will seek
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that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and
will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which
was sick.” I will “save My flock, and they shall no more be a prey.”
“Neither shall the beast of the land devour them.”
Ezekiel 34:16, 22,