How King David’s Life Reveals the Roles of a Shepherd

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
 he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
 He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
- Psalm 23:1-3

Why Is it Significant King David Was a Shepherd?

Through his story and the many Psalms he wrote, David’s life continues to be a source of inspiration and many lessons. Through all of that, it is important to ask why David was so special to God. A poor shepherd boy who became a famed slayer of giants to Israel’s most legendary king. The man after God’s own heart: 

"..the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people…" - 1 Samuel 13:14

David’s life was filled with many triumphs, but it was also rife with trials and failings—even blatant adultery and murder. Yet, throughout all of this, David held a deep-seated love for God. His psalms display a unique insight into his special relationship with the Lord—one that signals a rock-solid foundation that David could always lean on. 

When David was anointed King over Israel by Samuel, he was likely a young teenage boy – perhaps twelve to sixteen. The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, David was an unlikely choice for king, at least humanly speaking. King Saul, Israel’s first king, was tall, rugged, and handsome – and the chosen king of the people, but did not measure up to God’s standards. Yet, God told Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). David’s heart was certainly loyal to God.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is replete with references to sheep and shepherds. Shepherds are one of the most enduring and powerful symbols in all of literature, particularly Biblical literature. In the ancient world, shepherds were integral figures—and one of the oldest and most oft-mentioned occupations in the Bible. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses—all shepherds. 

The Bible’s first mention of shepherds is in Genesis 4. Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, is the first shepherd mentioned. While his story did not last long, his name and standing have obviously endured even to the present day.  

Shepherding is indeed the oldest occupation known in the Bible. At one time, it was considered a very reputable role—one that represented some stature and resources. But it seems that by the time of David, that stature had been altered.

David was the youngest of all Jesse’s sons – so young that he was not even invited to the special sacrifice offered by Samuel. (1 Samuel 16:5-6) David was out in the field tending the sheep. What had been a revered role was then relegated to the very youngest – a sibling looked down upon by all his older brothers.

Again, humanly speaking and in society's views at that time, David seemed an unlikely choice to be anointed the second king of all of Israel. Yet…despite these lowly, quite humble beginnings, David was God’s choice. In those beginnings, David developed strong faith and trust in God. God was calling him to shepherd a different flock – His people.

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