From Father's Flock to King's Court -David Part 2

Listen! Can you hear the shepherd boy singing? What are the words? It is a beautiful song of praise!

The Heavens are declaring the glory of God;
And of the work of his hands the expanse is telling.
One day after another day causes speech to bubble forth,
And one night after another night shows forth knowledge.
There is no speech, and there are no words;
No voice on their part is being heard.
Into all the earth their measuring line has gone out,
And to the extremity of the productive land their utterances
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
And it is like a bridegroom when coming out of his nuptial chamber;
It exults as a mighty man does to run in a path.
From one extremity of the heavens is its going forth,
And its [finished] circuit is to their [other] extremities;
And there is nothing concealed from its heat.
The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.
The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine.
The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous.
They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much refined gold;
And sweeter than honey and the flowing honey of the combs.
Also, your own servant has been warned by them;
In the keeping of them there is a large reward.
Mistakes--who can discern?
From concealed sins pronounce me innocent.
Also from presumptuous acts hold your servant back;
Do not let them dominate me.
In that case I shall be complete,
And I shall have remained innocent from much transgression.
Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Become pleasurable before you,
O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer. --Psalms 19

While young David continues tending his father's sheep, and building a strong relationship with his God, Jehovah, the nation of Israel is being pressed by pagan nations round about them, Israel is on the defense, protecting their God-given land, their inheritance from intruders and from enemies of God. What will the Israelites' new King Saul do? He is not left alone. King Saul is given specific instructions from Jehovah's prophet, Samuel. Yes, Saul knows just what to do regarding these aggressors. Saul is to wait in Gilgal until Samuel arrives to offer up the sacrifice before the battle. However, Samuel did not arrive, it seemed as though he was delaying. In the meantime, Saul's army was abandoning him! Still, Samuel did not arrive. Would Saul faithfully follow directions, leaning on his God Jehovah? Saul lost patience, became weak in his faith as his army dwindled before his eyes. Then late on the seventh day, Saul offered up the sacrifice himself, against the direction he was given. Saul leaned on his own understanding instead of relying on God's word through the prophet Samuel. When the sacrifice is complete, well here comes Samuel. Did Saul feel sorry that he had not waited just a little longer? No, he just make excuses for why he felt justified in offering up the sacrifice himself, for this reason he was told that his kingdom would not last. Would Saul learn to be obedient from this discipline received from God? (Compare: 1 Samuel 13:1-14) Let us see!


Saul was next given the opportunity to fulfill completely the command given to Joshua (Ex 17:8, 14-16) That is to wipe out all of Amalek, God's enemies. Did Saul obey Jehovah's will in this matter? Would he work in harmony with Jehovah in fulfilling His purpose regarding the promised land? (1 Sam 15:2,3,9-21) Sadly, Saul again does not follow directions and to make matters worse he acts in a presumptuous way, refusing to admit any wrong. In fact, Saul continues to insist he has been obedient! It is not until Samuel tells him that Jehovah has rejected him as king, that he finally admits his sin, but he still does not take full responsibility, but blames the people. Samuel himself, carries out Jehovah's will concerning the king of Amalek. Samuel discontinues his association with Saul after this incident. (1 Sam. 15:22-35)

Samuel mourns over Saul's disobedience. Oh how sad! Saul has turned away from serving Jehovah. After a little while, Jehovah tells Samuel to stop mourning and to take a cow and go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem. So, Samuel goes, just as Jehovah directs.

Imagine you are in Jesse's household, you are going about your chores when you look out and see someone coming up the road. Who is it? It looks like Jehovah's prophet, Samuel. Could it be? Next, you hear Samuel calling out to Jesse's household to share with him in a sacrifice to Jehovah. It is a joyful occasion and unexpected! What a grand privilege to have the prophet of the Most High with them. Every one is excited and happy, all the family is being gathered together! As Jesse's sons enter and are presented to Samuel, he intently looks at each one. The whole household is a buzz with excitement of having this special guest. But after seven sons pass before Samuel, he turns to Jesse and says, " Jehovah has not chosen these. Are these all your sons?" Jesse, replies, "All but the youngest, David who is in the field tending the sheep." Finally, David is fetched from the field. There is an atmosphere of suspense when David enters the room. Can you feel it? Until this moment no one knows why Samuel has come to their home. There is David, "ruddy, young, with beautiful eyes and handsome in appearance" standing in the midst of his brothers. "Get up " Samuel is commanded by Jehovah, "anoint him, for this is he!" This is the one whom Jehovah says, "I have found a man agreeable to my heart, who will do all the things I desire." (1 Sam. 16:1-13; Compare: 1 Sam13:14; Acts 13:22; see also: Ps 78:70,71;
2 Sam 7:8)
So it was, that David was first anointed to become king over Israel, privately, without fanfare. David did not take the kingship right away, but continued in his father's house.

In the meantime, God's holy spirit is removed from King Saul. This makes it possible for a bad spirit to gain possession of Saul, depriving him of peace of mind and stirring up his feelings, thoughts, and imaginations in a wrong way. Saul's failure to obey Jehovah proved his bad inclination of mind and heart, therefore, God's spirit offered no protection. Jehovah permitted the "bad spirit" to replace his spirit. That is why Saul's servants spoke of it as "God's bad spirit" (Compare: James 1:13). To calm him when troubled by this bad spirit, Saul's servants suggest he look for a man skilled with the harp to play for him. One of Saul's attendants had heard David play and recommended him to Saul. When contacted by Saul, Jesse allows David to go and remain in attendance at Saul's court, where David served as a harpist, as well as an armour bearer. (1 Sam. 16:14-23)

That is how David found himself removed from the flocks and living at the King's court.