Basic HTML Version
David Anointed as King
This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
In the freshness of boyhood, David kept watch of his flocks
as they grazed on the hills surrounding Bethlehem. The simple
shepherd sang songs he composed himself, and the music of his harp
made a sweet accompaniment to the rich melody of his young voice.
The Lord was preparing David for the work He planned to commit
to his trust in later years.
“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for
Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your
horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite.
For I have provided Myself a king among his sons. ... You shall
anoint for Me the one I name to you.’ So Samuel did what the Lord
said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled
at his coming, and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ And he said,
‘Peaceably.’” The elders accepted an invitation to the sacrifice, and
Samuel called Jesse and his sons. All the household of Jesse were
present except David, the youngest son, who had been left to guard
the sheep.
Before eating of the offering feast, Samuel began his prophetic
inspection of the noble-appearing sons of Jesse. Eliab was the eldest,
and more nearly resembled Saul in height and good looks than the
others. As Samuel looked at his princely bearing, he thought, “This
is indeed the man whom God has chosen as successor to Saul,” and
waited for the divine permission to anoint him.
But Eliab did not fear the Lord. He would have been a proud,
demanding ruler. The Lord’s word to Samuel was, “Do not look at
his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We may learn from the
mistake of Samuel how useless it is to judge people by how beautiful
or how handsome and tall they are. God’s thoughts regarding His
407