In Genesis 46:34, Joseph informs his brothers that "every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians." While taking nothing from the literal meaning of the passage, this passage has a wonderful application. Egypt, in scripture, is a type of the world. Shepherds are those who as pastors watch over the souls of men They are called to keep the flock (Acts 20:28; 1Peter 5:1-2). We see from the type that this world (Egypt) hates pastors (the shepherds). They are an abomination to Egypt. The Bible further bears this out.
- The first shepherd, Abel, was killed by Cain (Genesis 4:8)
- The best shepherd, Jesus Christ, was killed by the world. He is also called the "good shepherd" (John 10:11, 14) who "giveth his life for his sheep."
