Lately I have been reminded about how our mother used to read us the life experiences of King David. This has inspired me to do deeper research in the Bible regarding his life. I thought you might appreciate what I have learned. (Romans 15:4). I have included scripture texts for examination. These make for very encouraging reading, as they are inspired of God. I have compiled his life in sections.
Imagine yourself in that time when Judges appointed by God, took the lead in Israel. They lead the people in true worship and in governmental issues. They directed the Israelites to look to Jehovah as their King and lawgiver, to see with eyes of understanding the “One who is invisible” just as Moses had taught them. However, the people wanted to live under the rule of a king they could see, a human king. The prophet Samuel was extremely displeased but the people pleaded, “Do appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Jehovah told Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people…for it is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.” (1 Sam 8:4-9; 12:17,18) Jehovah allowed the people to have a king, but not with out warnings, that living under a man instead of their invisible king, Jehovah himself, would bring hardship on the common people. The kings had relative power and were required to follow Jehovah’s direction, recognizing that He was the One with the right to rule and had final authority over Israel. (Deut 17:14-20) So, Saul the Benjamite was picked by Jehovah as Israel’s first king and at first he did well, but later became presumptuous, which led him to disobedience, his disobedience led to rebellion against Jehovah as we shall see later. (1 Sam 9:1,2, 17; 10:1; 11:14,15; 13:1-14; 15:22-29; 28:4-7; 31:4)
Zec 11:16) David knew the names of all the sheep and the sheep knew his voice and trusted him. He would exercise care when shepherding ewes giving suck. (Ge 29:3,7,8) All these skills produced in him endurance, courage, and a willingness to pursue and rescue sheep separated from the flock, not even hesitating to kill a bear or a lion when necessary. (1Sam 17:34-36) He also, guarded the flock from thieves.(Ge 31:39; 1 Sa 17:34-36; Isa 31:4; Am 3:12 Joh 10:10-12). Can you in your mind’s eye see the young shepherd as he practices throwing slingstones, while the sheep feed on the grass he led them to? In a little while, he will lead them to the well, and will draw water to fill the troughs so they can all drink the good water. (Ex 2:16-19; Compare Ge 24:20) Hopefully, he would not encounter any unpleasantness with other shepherds on this day.(Ge: 20,21)
While the work of this shepherd youth was not one of prominence, it was an honorable profession that demanded hard work, courage, and also, a tender spirit. All of this training prepared David for a greater role in his future.
