David was a “shepherd” who became a king; David’s descendent would be our shepherd. Jesus was a king who became the Good Shepherd. The standard for OT kings was that they had to truly shepherd, to truly care for the people. Most of their kings and leaders only cared for themselves; they consumed and oppressed the sheep. On the other hand, our Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. He feeds us with the Bread of Heaven. He anoints us with the oil of His Spirit. He is the Stream of living, life-giving water. He leads us through the Valley of Death to our Resurrection; by this, we will live with Him forever.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
“He leads me beside the still waters.
“He restores my soul;
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; “For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
“You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:1–6 (NKJV)
