Sheepfold 1

View of a typical “sheepfold” that is located in the Hill Country of Benjamin.

Shepherds often times made use of small natural caves or overhangs in order to protect their sheep from the rain, wind, snow, and wild animals.

Notice the shaded sheltered area under the overhang and also the wall that the shepherd has constructed out of rock, soil, and brush to keep his sheep in and to keep wild animals out.  Also note, the entrance “gate” in the lower left quadrant of the image.  The “gate” has no closing door, but sometimes the shepherds would use brush, timber, or even his own body (sleeping in the gate) in order to close it.

See especially John 10 where Jesus says “I am the good shepherd” and “I am the gate for the sheep.”

This sheepfold is actually located at a place called Tell Maryam that might be biblical Beth Aven.