Matthew Poole and continuators on John 10:4

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 letter]heep follow him , for they know his voice▪

In our Countrey at [illegible: 1 span], Shepherds generally follow their Sheep, which go before them. In other Countries, as France, &c. it is otherwise at this day, the Shepherds go before their Flocks, and their Flocks follow them, upon some sounds they make. In Palestina, (which was the Iews Country) it should seem, that the Shepherds sometimes went before their Sheep, and sometimes followed them. David followed his Fathers Sheep, 2 Sam. 7.8. Psal. 78.71. On the other side, God is spoken of, Psal 80 1. under the Notion of the Shepherd of Israel, who leadest Ioseph like a flock. And the Psalmist, Psal 23.1. speaking of God as his Shepherd, saith, ver. 2. Thou leadest me beside the still waters. Christ here speaketh of himself under the Notion of a Shepherd that went before his Sheep, and whom the Sheep followed; and thereby lets us know the duty of all faithful Pastors in the Church, so to live, that their Flocks may follow them with safety; which cannot be, unless they follow Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1.

For saith our Saviour, Those that are my true Sheep, they know my voice; thereby signifying, that power of discerning betwixt Tru[illegible: 1 letter]h and damnable Errors, which the Lord gives unto all tr[illegible: 2 letters] Believers, 1 Ioh. 2.27.