Luke 2:9

"There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock."

Key Reflection

In Luke 2:9, the text describes shepherds who were tending to their flocks at night, a common practice in first-century rural Palestine where sheep herding was an essential part of the economy and culture. These shepherds would stay in the open fields near Jerusalem, maintaining vigilant watch over their flock to protect them from predators and thieves, a task often seen as humble and marginal by society but crucial for survival.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 9. The glory of the Lord. This is the same as a great glory--that is, a splendid appearance or light. The word glory is often the same as light, 1 Co 15:41; Lu 9:31; Ac 22:11. The words Lord and God are often used to denote greatness or intensity. Thus, trees of God mean great trees; hills of God, high or lofty hills, &c. So the glory of the Lord here means an exceedingly great or bright luminous appearance--perhaps not unlike what Paul saw on the way to Damascus. __________________________________________________________________

Related Verses

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