The Judean Wilderness

This is the Israel that I have always had in my mind. Dry, dusty, rocky, hills, and plenty of sun. The wilderness is all of that, and more. It is so different from the northern kingdom of Israel. I will be reading the Psalms in a whole new light after seeing the drastic difference. No wonder David begins Psalm 1 with the contrast of the man who is like a tree planted by water and the man who is blown away like chaff.

David’s years of shepherding are nothing like the quaint picture that we sometimes have in our minds of someone hoping to win the blue ribbon with 4H. No. It was rough, tough, and rugged. I have a whole new respect for the shepherd boy who became king.