The Shepherd King

    By ann keino

    The Shepherd King cover image

    27 Jun, 2024

    a man standing in a field with a herd of sheep in front of him and a dog in the background, regionalism, a storybook illustration, Colin Middleton, official art

    David, a young shepherd, spent most of his days in the fields, watching over his father's sheep, and honing his skills with a sling.

    a man walking a dog down a path with sheep on a leash behind him and a dog on a leash behind him, les automatistes, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, color page

    David was the youngest of his brothers, often overlooked by his family. Yet, he was destined for greatness, far beyond what anyone could imagine.

    a man in a crown standing in a room with other men in robes and holding a sword and a sword, unilalianism, a comic book panel, Altichiero, official art

    King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. His advisors suggested he seek solace in music and summoned a skillful musician.

    a man in a crown standing in front of a crowd of people in a building with columns and a painting of a man in a crown, neoism, a comic book panel, Edward Otho Cresap Ord, II, highly detailed digital art

    David, known for his musical skills, was brought before King Saul. His music soothed the king, and he became a favored attendant.

    a cartoon of a knight standing in front of a crowd of soldiers in armor and armor gear, with a sword in his hand, antipodeans, a comic book panel, Clint Cearley, warhammer

    Goliath, a giant warrior from the enemy side, challenged the Israelites. Everyone trembled in fear, except for David.

    a man in armor holding a sword and a man in a suit of armor with a sword in his hand, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, epic fantasy character art

    David, armed with only his sling and faith, bravely faced Goliath. With one precise shot, he brought down the giant, earning him fame and respect.

    a man in a crown standing in front of a crowd of people in a building with a large gold crown, afrofuturism, a comic book panel, Altichiero, official art

    King Saul grew jealous of David's rising fame and plotted to kill him. David, warned of the plot, fled from the court.

    a painting of a man in a roman costume surrounded by other men in a crowd of people in front of a castle, antipodeans, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    Even in exile, David remained loyal to King Saul. He had multiple chances to kill Saul but chose not to.

    a man standing next to a man in a crowd of people near a castle with a dog on the ground, process art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, graphic novel

    Upon King Saul's death, David mourned for the king and his friend, Jonathan. Despite their differences, David respected Saul's position.

    a painting of a man in a roman costume standing in front of a crowd of people in a courtyard, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, graphic novel

    David was anointed as the new king. His reign brought prosperity and peace to the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy of his greatness.

    a man sitting in a chair with a harp in his hand and a book in his lap in his lap, fantasy art, an ultrafine detailed painting, Charles Bird King, highly detailed digital painting

    As an aging king, David reflected on his journey from a shepherd to a king. He found solace in writing psalms, pouring his heart into them.

    a man sitting in a chair with a book in his hand and a dog standing nearby in a room with columns, pre-raphaelitism, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    David's story serves as a testament to his faith and courage. His legacy lived on, leaving an indelible mark on history, far beyond his humble beginnings.