The Tallit Academy

Why Send Lowly Shepherd?

The shepherds who were abiding by their flocks in the fields were perhaps watching over temple sheep, sheep that were being bred and protected to be sacrificed at the temple in Jerusalem.
These shepherds may have been men who were accustomed to preparing lambs which symbolically represented the Messiah in their cleanliness, perfection, and their sacrifice on the altar of the temple. This gives added depth of meaning, if true, to these scriptures which tell of the angels who came to these shepherds to proclaim the birth of the Lamb of God, the Saviour of mankind, who would offer the last and ultimate sacrifice.
But there are more interesting details. The place where the angels appeared to the shepherds is traditionally known as the “Tower of the Flock,” or Migdal Edar, which is very near Bethlehem. One commentator notes:
This watch tower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was the place ewes were brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building/cave the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from a unique flock which were designated for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.

According to Edersheim in The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, in Book 2, Chapter 6, states, “This Migdal Edar was not the watchtower for the ordinary flocks that pastured on the barren sheep ground beyond Bethlehem, but it lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem. A passage from the Mishnah (Shekalim 7:4) leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there were destined for Temple sacrifices…
”What are we to make of all of this information from the writings of the rabbis? First, we know that Migdal Edar was the watchtower that guarded the Temple flocks that were being raised to serve as sacrificial animals in the Temple. These were not just any flock and herd. The shepherds who kept them were men who were specifically trained for this royal task. They were educated in what an animal, that was to be sacrificed, had to be and it was their job to make sure that none of the animals were hurt, damaged, or blemished. These lambs were apparently wrapped in “swaddling cloths” to protect them from injury and also used to wrap the Lord Jesus.
Thus, with the establishment of Temple worship in Jerusalem, the fields outside of Bethlehem became the place where a special group of shepherds raised the lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. Being themselves under special Rabbinical care, they would strictly maintain a ceremonially clean stable for a birthing place. The Tower of the Flock was used for birthing ewes, and the surround fields were where these shepherds grazed their flocks. These shepherds customarily kept their flocks outdoors twenty-four hours a day every day of the year, but brought the ewes in to deliver their lambs where they could be carefully cared for. It was to this place that Joseph took Mary. It was in this special stable at "Migdal Edar" that Christ was born.

Luke 2:8-18 records that there were shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their sheep by night. Who then were these shepherds? Without question these were shepherds who resided near Bethlehem. They were none other but the shepherds from "Migdal Edar" who were well aware that the Targum hinted and many of the rabbis taught that Messiah might well be announced from "Migdal Edar" at Bethlehem. The angels only told the shepherds that they would find the Babe wrapped in “swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” There was no need for the angels to give these shepherds directions to the birth place because they already knew. These were the men who raised sacrificial lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. When the angelic announcement came, they knew exactly where to go, as Luke 2 indicates, for the sign of a manger could only mean their manger at the tower of the flock! You cannot explain the meaning or direction of the sign they were given or their response unless you have the right manger and the right shepherds!
Typically, "Migdal Edar", (the tower of the flock) at Bethlehem is the perfect place for Christ to be born. He was born in the very birthplace where tens of thousands of lambs, which had been sacrificed to prefigure Him. God promised it, pictured it and performed it at "Migdal Edar". It all fits together, for that’s the place the place where sacrificial lambs were born! Jesus was not born behind an inn, in a smelly stable where the donkeys of travellers and other animals were kept. He was born in Bethlehem, at the birthing place of the sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem which Micah 4:8 - (You, tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you your former sovereignty will return, the royal power of the daughter of Yerushalayim./Jerusalem ) “tower of the flock.”.
I’m not sure how much of this commentator’s words can be corroborated, but it is interesting to consider.

Luke (New Testament)
2:1 - And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2:2 - (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2:3 - And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4 - And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 - To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 - And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 - And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 - And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 - And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 - For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 - And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 - And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 - And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16 - And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17 - And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18 - And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 - But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
2:20 - And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
2:21 - And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
2:22 - And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
2:23 - (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
2:24 - And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.
2:25 - And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
2:26 - And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
2:27 - And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
2:28 - Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
2:29 - Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
2:30 - For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
2:31 - Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
2:32 - A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
2:33 - And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
2:34 - And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
2:35 - (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
2:36 - And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
2:37 - And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day.
2:38 - And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
2:39 - And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
2:40 - And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
2:41 - Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
2:42 - And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
2:43 - And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
2:44 - But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
2:45 - And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
2:46 - And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
2:47 - And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
2:48 - And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
2:49 - And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
2:50 - And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
2:51 - And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
2:52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.