Memories that inspire

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.

The Young Shepherd : Part 1

We look in on a time of history when changes were occurring in the nation of Israel.
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)

So, it is at this time in the history of Israel we turn our attention to Jesse, a humble man, a sheep owner living at Bethlehem. Not wealthy enough to hire men to tend his sheep, his flocks were well cared for by his own sons. (John 10:12,13) This is where we find the young shepherd, David living with his seven older brothers and some sisters. David spent his youth tending his father’s sheep. Picture David as he prepares to take his turn at tending the flock. He packs a small tent (Isa 38:12), a garment in which to wrap himself (Jer 43:12), a rod and a sling for defense, a long curved staff or crook used in guiding the flock, and no doubt his mother provided him with a bag of food provisions and one with medical supplies.(1 Sam17:40; Ps 23:4; Le 27:32; Mic 7:14)

Young David lived a rigorous life as a shepherd. He lived out doors, exposed to both heat and cold, as well sleepless nights. (Ge31:40; Lu 2:8) He knew what was involved in caring for the sheep properly, keep the flock from scattering (1Kings 22:17), look for lost sheep (Lu 15:4), carry feeble or weary lambs in his bosom (Isa 40:11), and care for the sick and injured---bandaging broken limbs and rubbing injuries with olive oil.(Ps 23:5; Eze 34:3,4;
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)

At night, when the sheep are bedded down, you can see the young shepherd sitting with his harp singing and composing songs. These were not ordinary songs merely for entertainment, but songs of praise, dedicated to the worship of his God Jehovah. Many of his songs reflect his experiences as a shepherd. (Examples: Ps 2:1; 95:7,8; and chapters 8, 19, 23, 29) So, David was not lonely, but took advantage of this quiet time to speak to Jehovah in prayers, leaning on Him for strength and endurance. As with all young ones he looked forward to a refreshing break from this work, when he would, with his family travel to the tabernacle during the festival seasons where there would be great rejoicing in their worship of Jehovah their God, along with other Israelite families, many whom he had not seen in a long time.

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.