Like God himself (Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:10–11), Israel's kings and leaders were responsible for caring for the people, much like a shepherd cares for sheep (Numbers 27:16–17; Ezekiel 34:2, 11–16). The idea of the shepherd and the sheep, related to the coming Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23–24), was fulfilled in Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:1–11). Although he sacrificed his life for the sheep (John 10:14–18; 1 Peter 2:24–25), he still lives (Hebrews 13:20) and will return for them (1 Peter 5:4).