Shepherd on the Hillside, Jeremiah 3:15 Bible Verse Wall Art

What is painted

On a green hillside, a few olive trees spread their branches, and in their shade a shepherd sits at rest. His sheep lie and graze around him, some close at his feet, some farther down the slope. Below the hill a valley opens out, filled with a soft white mist, and further hills rise faintly beyond it.

The painting is done in soft greens and beige, with the gray-green of the olive leaves and the pale fog giving it a peaceful, early-morning feeling. The verse is included: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart”, with the reference Jeremiah 3:15.

Shepherds after God's own heart

In the King James Bible, “pastors” in this verse is the ordinary word for shepherds; the Latin word pastor simply means one who feeds a flock. Jeremiah is speaking to a people who have turned away, and God calls them back: “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD.” Part of the promise of return is new leadership, shepherds who care for the people the way God himself does.

The verse goes on, “which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” A good shepherd in Jeremiah's sense is not a ruler who takes, but one who feeds. Later in the book, in chapter 23, the prophet condemns the shepherds who scatter the flock, and again God promises to set up shepherds who will truly care for it.

Christians hear in this line both a promise fulfilled in Christ, the Good Shepherd, and a description of what a pastor is meant to be.

A gift for a pastor

This is one of the most fitting gifts for a pastor, priest or minister, for an ordination, an installation, a retirement or a church anniversary. October is Pastor Appreciation Month in many American churches, and the print suits a church office, a study or the fellowship hall.

It also makes a meaningful Father's Day gift for a dad who is a pastor. This Christian wall art is printed to order in the United States on archival matte paper with a substantial feel, shipped free within the US and sent unframed; a digital file is also available. A framed Christian poster of this verse is a simple way for a congregation to say thank you, and a church family can sign the back before giving it.