I notice the character of shepherds in order to offer a short observation on what is said concerning the abomination the Egyptians had to shepherds, which may not perhaps so immediately strike the reader. It appears by the history of Joseph that the patriarch used this policy when bringing his father and his brethren before Pharaoh, in order that they might be separated from the Egyptians, and have the land of Goshen assigned them. (See Genesis 46:31-34, and Genesis 47:1-31.)
It hath been supposed by some that this abomination of the Egyptians to shepherds arose from their employment, because while the Egyptians worshipped animals the shepherds killed them occasionally for food. There might perhaps be somewhat %in this for which the hatred arose; but then had this been the sole motive in the mind of Joseph, his plan of separation must have had respect still fartherthe hatred would not have subsided by the %mere separation, in putting his family in Goshen.
I rather think, (though I speak not in the most distant way decidedly upon the subject) that the mind of the patriarch Joseph had an eye to Christ and aimed, upon this and every other occasion, to keep up the gracious distinction of character of the seed of Abraham, whose first and most decisive feature all along was of "the people that dwell alone, and that were not to be reckoned among the nations." The character of shepherds, simply as shepherds, would not have been so odious to the Egyptians, for we read of the flock and cattle of Egypt, as well as those of Israel, and therefore they must have had shepherds also. But circumcised shepherds, and sacrificing shepherds, to the God of Abraham, when the cause of covenant grace and mercy was discovered, would have done then as it hath ever since done in the church of Jesus, stirred up the natural hatred of the heart against the chosen seed.
Reader, the offence of the cross is not yet ceased, and blessed is it for Christ's people it never will. The Egyptians of the present hour have their abomination still. It is the felicity of the Lord's people to dwell in Goshenthat is, to be separated from men of the world. They dwell alone in the purpose, council, will, and love of God the Father, the grace and favour of Christ, and the anointings quickenings, and fellowship of God the Holy Ghost.