Jesus was known by many names, but perhaps one of the most detailed descriptions of Jesus was given to us by King David, who in his twenty-third Psalm depicted Jesus as a “Good Shepherd.”

The phrase, “It takes one to know one,” certainly comes to mind when attributing authority to King David’s perspective, having spent most of his growing up years tending his own father’s sheep. Yet, what was it about David’s time with sheep that prompted him to lovingly attribute the qualities of a good shepherd to God his heavenly Father?

Fist of all, we know that David was certainly committed to his responsibilities with his sheep, so much so, that when the prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king, David was nowhere to be found (1 Samuel 16: 1-13).

We also discover that David’s time tending sheep wasn’t some meaningless household chore, but that it achieved for him some impressive accolades (including the killing of a lion and a bear [1 Samuel 17:34-36]); a resume he used to jump to the head of the class in King Saul’s army as the only “soldier” fittingly capable of taking on the giant.

But it is in the twenty-third Psalm, where David famously penned the words about God, his “good shepherd,” where we glean the greatest insight into Jesus’ character and nature.”

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

For David, to know Jesus as his “shepherd,” meant he had experienced God working tirelessly on his behalf to ensure his well-being. A good shepherd would go to great lengths to make sure his flock was never in want, neither craving nor desiring anything more than to be in the presence of its shepherd.

To be able to lie down in green pastures meant that the sheep were satisfied and well-fed, free from fear, and able to relax in the presence of their caretaker. Being led by still waters, the sheep could easily quench their thirst without effort, and experience a restoration of the soul.

Though they are used to traveling only the well-worn paths, a good shepherd is able to lead his sheep through the darkest valleys, because the sheep trust him. Though they be encircled by mountains, the sheep are painstakingly led through the most well-watered routes to the richest feed, and greenest pastures.

The rod of the shepherd routinely protects his sheep from predators, and is also used to examine the sheep under their wool, or to make sure all sheep are accounted for. Leading his sheep up into the high summer range of the “mesa,” the shepherd is pleased to see his sheep flourishing on the table lands, free from poisonous weeds and full of salts and other minerals.

To prevent the sheep from being bothered by annoying pests, the shepherd applies a healing oil to the sheep, ridding them of their discomfort. Goodness follows sheep who have been properly taken care of, since they customarily leave their grazing land better off than it was before, when well-managed by an astute shepherd.

Sickly sheep who meander into the good shepherd’s flock by going around the fences, often find themselves gorging themselves on the land to the point of death. Thus, any sheep wanting to be added into the good shepherd’s flock must enter through the narrow gate, so he can be brought back into health by his new caretaker, and taught how to survive on the shepherd’s flourishing pastures.

Sheep who are under the management of a good shepherd are at “home” with their master, and proud to belong to his household, where his flock contently, and prosperously resides.

Clearly, King David’s experience as a careful master shepherd himself, afforded him acute insight into nature and heart of Jesus. Perhaps it was this perspective of his savior as good shepherd, which caused him to find solace through some of the most tumultuous times of his life.

Whether he was scrupulously avoiding the wrath of King Saul, or arrogantly feigning innocence before the prophet Nathan, one thing’s for sure; David’s unique and personal understanding of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the foundation on which God’s Kingdom was indelibly established for all eternity.