John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 10:13
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling ,.... And has no propriety in the sheep; had he, he would abide by them, and defend them; but because he has not, he will not expose himself to any danger, but leaves them: and careth not for the sheep ; what becomes of them, providing only for his own safety. Abarbinel F25 Mashmia Jeshua, fol. 20. 4. has a note on Isaiah 40:11 which may serve to illustrate this passage: ""he shall feed his flock like a shepherd"; not as he that... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 10:12
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd ,.... That is, who is not the owner of the sheep, though he keeps them, yet only for reward: by whom are meant, not the faithful ministers of the word, who live upon the Gospel, as Christ has ordained, and who are worthy of their reward, and are not to be called hirelings by way of reproach; since they teach not for hire and reward, but for the good of souls, and the interest of the Redeemer; but such who seek only their gain, from their... read more