David Anointed as King
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to His creatures are above our finite minds. But we may be assured
that His children will be brought to fill the place for which they are
qualified, and enabled to accomplish the work committed to their
hands, if they will submit their will to God.
The Shepherd Boy Is Called to the Feast
Eliab passed from the inspection of Samuel, and the six brothers
who were in attendance at the service followed in succession to be
observed by the prophet. But the Lord did not signify His choice of
any one of them. With painful suspense, Samuel had looked upon the
last of the young men. Perplexed and bewildered, he inquired, “Are
here all thy children?” The father answered, “There remaineth yet the
youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep.” Samuel directed that he
be summoned. “We will not sit down till he come hither.”
The lonely shepherd was startled by the unexpected call of the
messenger who announced that the prophet had come to Bethlehem
and had sent for him. Why should the prophet and judge of Israel
desire to see him? But without delay he obeyed the call.
“Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and
goodly to look to.” As Samuel beheld the handsome, manly, modest
shepherd boy, the voice of the Lord spoke: “Arise, anoint him: for
this is he.” David had proved himself brave and faithful in the humble
office of a shepherd, and now God had chosen him to be captain of
His people. “Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the
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midst of [from among] his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came
upon David from that day forward.” With a relieved heart the prophet
returned to Ramah.
The ceremony of anointing David had been performed in secret. It
was an intimation to the youth of the high destiny awaiting him, that
amid all the perils of his coming years, this knowledge might inspire
him to be true to the purpose of God to be accomplished by his life.
The great honor conferred upon David did not serve to elate him.
As humble and modest as before his anointing, the shepherd boy
returned to the hills and watched his flocks. But with new inspiration
he composed his melodies and played upon his harp.
Before him spread a landscape of rich and varied beauty. He beheld
the sun flooding the heavens with light, coming forth as a bridegroom