I can picture David under the shade of some great big rock in the heat of the day, watching over his father’s sheep. Two days before, he had wrestled a lion that attacked those same sheep. They were now grazing sleepily and David was soon to join them. He searches the landscape once again, counting each ram and ewe. Forty winks should do and then he would lead them beside the still waters of the Jordan. Grazing sheep were so beautiful to watch, they all seemed so serene and content. David placed his hands behind his head and felt the comforting sigh of a restored soul. God had granted him victory over the lion and his sheep were safe. It was time to strengthen mind and body with a little “shut eye.” Musing in the heat of the day… “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul!”

He awakens and begins the trek toward the Jordan. The way he usually goes is busy with other shepherds and because he doesn’t want to cause a ruckus, he takes the path leading toward the lush valleys below Bethlehem. As he descends, he gently urges the flock to the lowest part of the valley. Ever on the lookout, he notices the wolves just off to the left on a ridge above them. They are snarling and showing teeth. David keeps a sharp eye on them as they make their move. David’s concern is for his sheep and so he huddles them down; pinned into the rocky walls. He is between the wolves and the sheep, with staff in hand. They cannot – they will not - get past him. He thinks again about his decision to go to the valley. He knows full well that he could have shepherded those sheep right along with the other shepherds. Yet, he also knew that it was easier on them if he allowed them to lead their sheep without David being in their way. The wolves attacked; first one, then two, but David fought them off. There were a few close calls; he felt the hot breath of his attackers and took a couple of scratches on the shoulders and legs. But they gave up, knowing David was just too good of a protector… “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His namesake. Yea, though I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear know evil. For Thou art with me, Thy rod and staff –they comfort me.”

Just then, after he ascends from the valley floor, his brother calls for him. “David, the prophet Samuel is at our father’s house and sends for you.” Between the snickers and snide remarks of his brothers, the Prophet Samuel anoints his head to be king over Israel. They feast at Jesse’s banquet that night and David is sitting at the head table with his father and Samuel. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

The day is now over and David is alone with the sheep. The moon shines on the flock and fences them in with a protective light. The stars seem so close and bright tonight. David thanks God for all His goodness and vows to Him that goodness and mercy will follow his name –for His Namesake. He wouldn’t do anything to dishonor that Name and he would fight with all his might to make that Name great throughout the land of his fathers. Suddenly a still small voice speaks amidst the night breeze: And thou shall dwell in My house forever and ever!