My Google search turned up one of Loren Yadon's articles in the local Boise Idaho newspaper. Here it is;
God prepared the way for David to overcome Goliath
- Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 07/07/07
The 23rd Psalm is probably one of the most beloved passages in all of literature.
It was one of the first Bible passages I learned as a child in Sunday school. As an adult, I have found great comfort when hearing its six stanzas read or quoted in hospital rooms or at the grave of a departed loved one.
Some scholars believe David may have written this wonderful oracle sometime around the setting of the first four verses of
1 Samuel 18. His victory over Goliath not only brought him national attention, but it brought David in close contact with Prince Jonathan, a man with whom he would develop a special, covenant friendship.
Even though they were separated by years, their souls "knit" together in a relationship closer than what they had with their own families. This was not a temporary attachment, for
1 Samuel 20:16-17 and 23:16-18 elaborated on the loyalty and true affection these men had for each other.
The wording of these passages leads us to believe David and Jonathan entered into a "blood covenant" before the Lord, which was the most sacred compact of loyalty possible.
Emerging from this experience of bonding with a special friend, David began to reflect on his life. He knew his rise from the obscurity of his father's house to the spotlight of the nation was not of his own initiative. God had led him.
Drawing from his experience as a shepherd of Bethlehem, David compared God's leading in his life to that of a shepherd caring for his sheep.
As his sheep needed David to lead and protect them, so this son of Jesse needed the benevolent guidance of God in his life.
The phrase, "I shall not want (or "lack") …" in verse one should be the theme for the entire Psalm.
As he conscientiously tried to find good pasture for his sheep, so David had confidence that when he hungered spiritually, God would cause him to lie down in "green pastures." When he thirsted, he would be led beside peaceful waters.
To this point, David's life had been quite blessed. He was in the afterglow of victory and blessing. He was enjoying the approval of both God and men. His "cup" of life was "running over" with more than enough of life's blessings.
But David was mature enough to know that the tough times would come.
As he had led his own sheep through some hot deserts filled with predators, David believed God would also protect him in the presence of his enemies.
As he had often looked over his sheep at night, bound up their wounds, and rubbed their heads with oil to protect them from insects, so David had the confidence that the Lord would restore his soul when his physical, mental and spiritual strength was exhausted.
Even though David did not know specific details of his journey, his faithful shepherd was out in front of the flock.
Before David arrived into his "tomorrows," God had already been there, preparing the way.
While David was faithfully watching his sheep in his father's fields, God had dedicated Samuel's anointing oil to grace only the head of this young shepherd.
David had no knowledge that in the unseen world, God had already called him, "a man after my own heart." Before David had gone out on the battlefield to face Goliath, the Lord had already been there — programming a small smooth stone with a honing device for the middle of the giant's forehead.
With the adrenaline rush from battle flushing his face, and carrying the head and sword of Goliath in the victory parade, David had no idea that God had already prepared the heart of a special friend, Jonathan, to provide the loyalty and support he would need in the coming days.
As he reflected over God's care in the past, David could not help but believe in His faithfulness in the future.
In fact, the reason he had the courage to go out and face the giant (in the name of the Lord) was because God had given him victory over a bear and a lion who threatened his sheep.
Memories of God's help in the past became kindling from which the fires of David's faith and encouragement were built. The God who had provided for him to this point would not fail to accompany David into the uncertain future.
Loren A. Yadon is pastor of New Life Fellowship of Boise.
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