Ancient Israelites saw the figure of their king as more than a ruler, a governor, or an authority. He was meant to be a shepherd, close to his people, bearing their burdens and protecting them.
The king was only a “lord” because of THE LORD. In fact, he was meant to make present the LORD’s presence on earth, in a human way. Because of their king, the Israelites could say, “Emmanuel, God with us.”
Why? He was meant to be the Heart of God incarnate.
For this reason, to Saul, the very first king of Israel, God gave “another heart,” and the “spirit of the LORD rushed upon him” (1 Sam. 9, 10).
To love, to shepherd, to guide, to strengthen, to encourage, to protect…
The greatest responsibility of an Israelite king was to remain faithful to the LORD, the true King of Israel, on whose behalf he governed, with his whole heart and soul (1 Kings 2).
He was to be a man chosen by the Lord. He needed to be close to his people, not a distant figure, not a foreigner (Deut. 17:15). His heart needed to be free from the desire and accumulation of riches, as well being a man of purity and righteousness (Deut. 17: 17). As a sign of his obedience to the LORD, he was to keep a copy of the law with him always, letting God guide him every day of his life (Deut. 17:18). He was to be on his guard against pride, lest he become aloof and full of himself, turning against God or his own people (Deut. 17:20).
Imagine, then, what it must have been for King David to pray and to experience, “The LORD is my Shepherd” while he himself was shepherding Israel.
Imagine, too, the depth of the prayer and experience of Jesus Christ, in his mission of gathering the scattered flock of the people of Israel: “I am not alone, because the Father is with me” (John 17:32).
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 10:28).
