We always hear about shepherds in scripture, but why were they so important? Shepherds roamed outside of the city in the open countryside, tending their herds. Sheep were important to the culture, providing food, wool, and sacrifices for sin.
Shepherds lived a solitary existence, as caretakers of the flocks. In their guardianship of the sheep, they learned about the land and environment, aware of dangerous terrain or areas prone to predators. If anything went awry, there was no calvary coming to the rescue, so they learned to be self-reliant and protect the sheep no matter the cost. Always on guard, they acted as the buffer between dangerous predators stalking, night or day.