ISB ~ Matthew 9 v36

compassion:Those needing spiritual and physical ’ healing lie close to Jesus’ heart (14:14; 15:32; 20:34).

like sheep without a shepherd:A familiar OT simile.

• Sheep often represent the people of Israel (1 Kings 22:17; Jud 11:19; Jer 23:1-3; Zech 10:2). Shepherd imagery is used for Israel’s spiritual leaders. (1) Joshua was Moses’ successor and the “shepherd” of Israel (Num 27:17). (2) David was elected to “shepherd” Israel as its king (2 Sam 5:2-3). (3) In Ezek 34, God himself promised to set “one shepherd” (Ezek 34:23) over his people to feed and protect them as a new Davidic king (Ezek 34:23-24; cf. Jer 23:1-6). Jesus draws on these to illustrate his own role as the Shepherd and King of the restored Israel, the Church (25:31-34; Jn 10:16; 1 Pet 2:25).