Why a Shepherd?
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“When God called David from his father’s sheepfold to anoint him king of Israel, He saw in him one to whom He could impart His Spirit. David was susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord in His providence trained him for His service, preparing him to carry out His purposes. Christ was the Master-builder of his character.” This future king developed fidelity and wisdom while faithfully guarding his father’s flocks.
As with Moses, who also tended flocks before becoming a leader, David learned valuable lessons by caring for sheep. Sheep must be led; they cannot be driven.
Sheep are defenseless against predators and must be guarded.
Sheep wander off and must be found and returned to the safety of the flock. Sheep often follow one another blindly into difficulty. But sheep will recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow his direction. These—and lessons of equal importance—prepared both Moses and David to deal with people who, more often than not, mimic sheep in their behavior.
“As humble and modest as before his anointing, the shepherd boy returned to the hills and watched and guarded his flocks as tenderly as ever.” “The communion with nature and with God, the care of his flocks, the perils and deliverances, the griefs and joys, of his lowly lot, were not only to mold the character of David and to influence his future life, but through the psalms of Israel’s sweet singer they were in all coming ages to kindle love and faith in the hearts of God’s people, bringing them nearer to the ever-loving heart of Him in whom all His creatures live.” “All unconsciously man is tested by the common events of life until finally God can say, ‘Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things’ (Matt. 25:23).”
