11, 12. God Chose and Prepared David for His Work—Six miles south of Jerusalem, “the city of the great King,” was Bethlehem, where David was born more than a thousand years before the infant Jesus was cradled in the manger, and worshiped by the wise men from the East. Centuries before the advent of the Saviour of the world, David, in the freshness of boyhood, had kept watch of his flocks as they grazed on the open fields of Bethlehem. The simple shepherd boy sang the songs of his own composing, and the music of his harp made a sweet accompaniment to the melody of his fresh young voice. The Lord had chosen David, and had ordered his life that he might have an opportunity to train his voice, and cultivate his talent for music and poetry. The Lord was preparing him in his solitary life with his flocks, for the work He designed to commit to his trust in afteryears (The Signs of the Times, June 8, 1888).{2BC 1018.4}

11, 12. Gud valgte og forberedte David til hans arbejde. - Ti kilometer syd for Jerusalem, "den store konges stad," var Betlehem, hvor David blev født for mere end tusinde år før barn Jesus blev vugget i krybben, og tilbedt af de vise mænd fra Østerland. Hundredvis år før Frelserens komme til verden, holdt David i sin barndoms friskhed, vagt over sine hjorte, idet de stirrede på Betlehems åbne marker. Den enkle hyrdedreng sang selvkomponerede sande, og musikken fra hans harpe akkompagnerede melodi til hans friste unge stemme. Herren havde valgt David, og havde ordnet hans liv så han kunne få anledning til at oplære hans stemme, og opelske sit talent for musik og poesi. Herren forberedte ham i hans ensomme liv sammen med hjortene, til det arbejde Han havde tænkt at betro ham i efterfølgende år (ST 8. juni, 1888).