Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: A Shepherd

◄ David: King of Israel: A Shepherd ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

David, the youngest son of Jesse, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his multifaceted role as a shepherd, warrior, poet, and king. His life and legacy are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's journey from shepherd to king is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Early Life and Shepherding

David was born in Bethlehem, in the tribe of Judah, during the reign of King Saul. As the youngest of eight brothers, David was tasked with tending his father's sheep, a role that shaped his character and faith. The pastoral life provided David with solitude and time for reflection, fostering a deep relationship with God. It was during these formative years that David developed skills that would later prove invaluable, such as courage, resilience, and a heart for worship.

The Bible highlights David's bravery and reliance on God during his time as a shepherd. In 1 Samuel 17:34-36 , David recounts to King Saul how he protected his flock from predators: "Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it."

Anointing as King

David's life took a pivotal turn when the prophet Samuel, under God's direction, visited Jesse's household to anoint the next king of Israel. Despite being overlooked by his family, God chose David, declaring, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This anointing marked the beginning of David's divine appointment as king, though he would not assume the throne until years later.

Symbolism of the Shepherd-King

David's experience as a shepherd is emblematic of his future role as king. The qualities he honed while tending sheep—leadership, protection, and care—were essential for his governance over Israel. The imagery of the shepherd is a recurring theme in David's life and writings, most notably in Psalm 23, where he portrays the Lord as the ultimate Shepherd: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1).

David's Heart for Worship

David's time as a shepherd also cultivated his musical and poetic talents, which he used to glorify God. He is credited with composing many of the Psalms, which express a range of emotions from deep despair to exuberant praise. His psalms continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration for believers, reflecting his intimate relationship with God and his understanding of divine grace and mercy.

Legacy

David's legacy as a shepherd-king is foundational to the biblical narrative. His life foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" and the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11). David's account is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of a heart aligned with His will. Through his humble beginnings as a shepherd, David rose to become a man after God's own heart, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Israel and the world.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 16:11
And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come here.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

One Fold and one Shepherd
... 'Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron ... spake, saying, Behold, we
are thy bone and thy flesh.2. Also in time past, when Saul was king over us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Sometimes David stayed at Gibeah, where the king's house ... The fighting between King
Saul and the Philistine tribes ... minds to make the men of Israel their servants ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Shepherd-King
... qualifies him to be the antagonist of the grim Saul, and the king of Israel. ... way
in due time,"these, and such like, were the signs that David was called ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Elah. In the army of Israel were the three oldest brothers of David. Every ... Lord's
people.". They brought David before King Saul. Some years ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

The Shepherd Boy of Bethlehem.
... called to be king over Israel, but a new spirit of wisdom, and love, and strength
came upon David, and though ... Long after when he was King of Israel, he made ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xix the shepherd boy.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... sheep-cotes to rule over Israel, sings this little psalm of Him who is the true
Shepherd and King of men. We do not know at what period of David's life it was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

David.
... thee trusting in the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, whom thou hast ... This act of
David's brought a great victory to Saul's army, and the king was delighted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

The Story of David
... Who could tell? So David learned to do his very best, and before very long God's
call came to him. ... Saul, the King of Israel, sat day after day in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... David likewise made the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and ... and became the most
powerful king in the ... the Sweet Psalmist of Israel, shepherd, prophet, soldier ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... Then David told the king how he had killed both a ... down upon little David to destroy
him, and David ran, not away from him, as the men of Israel had done ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm