So, David, as you were tending sheep under the beauty of the stars

Did your mind ever wonder with thoughts so very far?

Smells of camp fires bleating of sheep

Youngest of eight sons, destined to sleep by fires in the cold

Then a prophet came to speak

Called in from the field when the brothers didn't please

The sheep you leave behind

Far from any thought that the Lord had selected you as king

His plans aren't yours David

What heart-ache and joy this would bring

Brothers in disbelief as Samuel extends precious oil

Arise, says the Lord, anoint for this is he

This one I did form handsome, eyes of beauty

On him the Spirit of the Lord did fall

One of evil would then descend on king Saul

Play your harp David

Play your harp and sing, the heavy spirit will cringe

Sing the Lord's song, to Saul peace it will bring

He so jealous as you became a captain of men

Displeased, enraged, as his son you did befriend

David so often you ran from Saul, once pretending to be mad and yet

Over and aver you escaped into forests and wilderness

Once he so near, you could take his life

You spare him, your men wonder why

You, learning to honor your Lord

Recognize the enemies lies

While waiting for a crown many battles you and your men had won

Saul, ignored and disobeyed the Lord he had loved

Opening his hearts door to darkness

Allowing it to overcome

He runs, trapped in battle, how did all this loss begin?

Leaning on his spear near death, yet another would be his end

His great fear to be tortured at the enemies hand

His head was laid before the god of their land

Saul has died, all Israel free to come to David's side

The path made for you to shepherd the people of God

A shepherds heart is what they would need

One that could stand against the wolves at the gate

Day after day, man after man

God drawing His army to create

Men of honor and courage

Leaving child and wife

Hearts drawn by the Lord

To secure David's life

SO THEY CAME

The sons of Judah, equipped for war

Six thousand eight hundred of the sons of Simeon

Bravest of men waiting for battles to be won

Four thousand six hundred of the sons of Levi

The priest Jehoiada, led three thousand seven hundred

Who came to live or die

The house of Aaron did send Zadok, a young priest of might

Brought from his father twenty two captains ready to lead and fight

Three thousand sons of Benjamin, kinsmen of fallen Saul

Answered an inward call

The tribe of Ephraim, twenty thousand eight hundred

Men from their fathers household

Mighty men marching true and bold

Sons of Manasseh designated to make David king

Eighteen thousand they did bring

To have knowledge and to understand

The times of Israel's purpose in this world

Was given to the sons of Issachar

Two hundred chiefs, perception clear

If commanded all kinsmen would come from far and near

No doubt of heart came fifty thousand of Jebulun

Battle formation and every weapon strong

Trained to stand, causing the enemy to run

From Naphtali one thousand captains they did yield

Also thirty seven thousand with spear and shield

Twenty eight thousand six hundred

Practiced in battle formation

Marched to David from Danites nation

An army of forty thousand ready to stand in dignity

Men of Asher, taking on their countries enemy

And from the other side of Jordan

One hundred twenty thousand

Bringing all known weapons of war

Came Manasseh, Gadites and Reubenites

The ground covered, ready for the fight

You, David a mighty warrior king, freeing God's people

Leading the Lord's army of

Three hundred forty thousand, eight hundred twenty two

As far as your eyes could see covers the land

I a single soldier, one on one

Leading my sistrs to recognize satan's plans

You and I born in a different age

Learning to love the same ever amazing God

Memories of our youth, not knowing how our paths would change

To you David our Lord said "this is he"

I also heard His call

Yes, David, we both took His hand

For we had times we would trip and fall

How joyful to come out of the valley's dark and deep

Climbing, our hand in His, up mountains steep

David your walk on earth has ended

Mine also will one day close

As your pathway changed, so will mine

Walking a new and glorious road

LJ/20

1 Sam 16:14-23;17:15;21:10-15;

22:5;23:24;25:1; 2 Sam 1 & 5; 1 Chron 10 & 12

My name is Linda Jackson. I am a blessed wife, mother and grandmother.  I am a Biblical counselor and teacher to women in jail.  I also teach kindergarten Sunday school.  I enjoy writing, playing in the yard with my plants and doing cross stitch while watching football.