Songs of the Shepherd-King

By Isaac Smythia

Songs of the Shepherd-King pairs Bible-based stories with twelve of the Biblical King David's psalms. The fictionalized stories highlight the beautiful truths captured in the Shepherd-King's words. The majesty of each psalm comes alive in the story that accompanies it. Like new light cast on an old masterpiece Songs of the Shepherd-King

• Language: English
• Publisher: Isaac A Smythia
• Release date: Jan 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781792351990

Isaac Smythia

Isaac Smythia ha sido pastor, misionero, profesor, fundador de iglesias, constructor, y conferencista internacional durante los últimos treinta años. Tuvo un papel decisivo en la fundación de un centro de rehabilitación para farmacodependientes en las afueras de Montevideo, Uruguay. El trabajo misionero que realiza ahora lo lleva alrededor del mundo. Él y su esposa, Terry, tienen dos hijos extraordinarios, Jason y Brianne.

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© 2021 by Isaac Smythia

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing by the author.

All Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

ISBN: 978-1-7923-5199-0

Printed in the U.S.A.

Endorsements

What others are saying about

Songs of the Shepherd-King

What an amazing and insightful look into the prayer life and faithful walk of David! I enjoyed how the book applies a little skin to the biblical stories we have known from childhood.

Insight into the geographical terrain, history and customs of the stories paints a picture that allows you to interject yourself into the moment.

As you navigate each chapter and link the stories with their psalms, I suggest that you search the scriptures and investigate the commentary that will make these passages more than just stories. You might find that God has something He wants to say to you.

It is with my highest recommendation that I encourage you to travel with the Shepherd-King as he sings his songs.

Dan Holbrook, Assistant Superintendent of the Ohio Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God

Songs of the Shepherd-King captures the essence of the life and ministry of David in a new way, addressing the many triumphs and failures in David’s life, relationships, and calling.

Each chapter takes a fresh look at a pivotal relationship that David had and the impact it had on David’s life. Each Psalm is beautifully prefaced with the backstory of what caused David to pen such lyrics.

This book will inspire and encourage readers to re-examine their hearts, take account of the relationships in their lives, and move toward God in a new and fresh way.

Michele Thompson, Lead Pastor

Rockside Church, Independence, OH 

Churches of the Assemblies of God are focused on Bible engagement. Songs of the Shepherd-King points the reader to the source of the best stories ever – the Bible. While not a teaching book nor a theological tool, it is packed with riveting stories that draw the reader to a greater hunger and curiosity about the Psalms. Each chapter is a creative story of what might have been behind the writings of David.

Much of this book focuses on the final days of David’s life. The author’s life is one well lived as I have known Isaac Smythia almost four decades which increased the value of this book to me as a reader.

Donna Barrett, General Secretary

of the Assemblies of God

For Jasmine

Papa Ike and Abuela love you so much, but Jesus loves you even more.

Acknowledgements

Songs of the Shepherd-King was birthed from my passion to tell the story of some of David’s psalms. Just like modern-day composers, something inspired him. A few psalms are introduced with a hint of the backstory, and a few more leave hints within their words.

Thank you to the people who helped make this book a reality. Each name carries an unwritten backstory of help, suggestions, and encouraging words spoken to me at just the right time. My amazing editor, Tracey Moore, not only caught grammatical and composition errors but also corrected mistakes in some of the Bible references. Angela Kingsriter designed the cover and formatted the book. Sharon McCammon, Shawn Sislo, Peggy Holbrook, and Jonathan Moore provided valuable feedback on the content of the book.

Thanks with love to Terry, Brianne, Jason, and Andrea for their support throughout the writing and the publishing process. Along with my granddaughter, Jasmine, they are the most important people to me in this world.

Finally, I thank God for the inspiration and the ideas behind the stories. I live for You, Father.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 David the Shepherd

2 David and Goliath

3 David and Jonathan

4 David and the Well

5 David and Saul

6 David and the Ark

7 David and Bathsheba

8 David and Absalom

9 David the Prophet

10 David and Abishai

11 David and the Firmament

12 David and the Temple

Appendix

Introduction

Worshippers have sung the psalms of the Bible for at least three millennia. They have inspired countless sermons and teachings, songs and choruses, plaques and posters. The Psalms transparently reflect the deepest sentiments of life. David composed seventy-three of these psalms—almost half of them!—as well as a few additional songs found in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Each psalm that David wrote sprang from a struggle, defeat, or victory in his life. Only thirteen give us hints as to their historical background. The rest can only be guessed at. Students and scholars have dug through David’s words as well as those of Asaph, Solomon, Moses, Ethan, Heman, the sons of Korah, and several anonymous psalmists to look for clues to the living history that the Holy Spirit used to inspire the authors to write.

Some, like Psalm 137, document the heart-crushing anguish of God’s chosen people. Others point to the Messiah. Jesus quoted Psalm 110 when debating the religious leaders of His day. Psalms 120 through 134, known as the Songs of Ascent, were sung by joyful worshippers as they climbed Mount Zion on their way to offer sacrifices at the temple. As you read them, you might hear anew their faith-filled voices echoing across the hills.

Songs of the Shepherd-King was birthed from my realization that far too often I read through the stanzas of the psalms more like I’m completing a homework assignment than finding their meaning and application to my life. As I began researching the psalms that would lay the foundation of each chapter, fresh meaning leaped out like newly discovered flavors hidden in old recipes. In addition, I love to loose the reins of my imagination to fill in the blanks of what might have happened to bring about the psalms’ writing.

All the stories in this book are fictional. Some are based on the known history of the psalms I used. Others are based on a best guess of the story that