Chapter one states that the bible is a deep container loaded with a lot of ‘figure of speeches’ that contributes to effectiveness of the Old/New Testament conversations in history. However, states that these ‘figure of speeches’, better known as metaphors; have a long history originating back to Greek cultures. By definition, metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to something as being the same as or equate to a transferable attributes for symbolic effect (e.g., God is my Shepherd). It can provide the clarity similarities between two ideas. Whereas, a simile uses ‘figure of speech’ to make explicitly comparison between two items, using "like" or "as" (e.g., the kingdom of Heaven is like ten virgins).
In the case of the shepherd language, the metaphor explicitly introduces a known role of a real shepherd life that symbolizes a ruler who plays his part just as a shepherd plays his. What’s especially interesting about the chronicle is it highpoints the human tendency to construct roles within the setting of a community’s narratives or myths. As you continue to understand the development narrative of the divine Shepherd, God or king as shepherd, has also along with him undershepherds looking after the needs of the Shepherd vulnerable flocks as they wander along the ‘margins of a settled society’. The metaphors use in these narratives produce a host of association that go through the role of leaders in the great history of salvation.
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