Divine Context of the Selection
The selection of David as king of Israel marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, where God rejects Saul as king and chooses a new leader for His people. The prophet Samuel, guided by the Lord, plays a central role in this process, which reveals God’s sovereignty and His unique perspective in selecting leaders based on the heart.
And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. (1 Samuel 16:1, KJV)
Samuel’s Mission in Bethlehem
Following Saul’s rejection, God instructs Samuel to fill a horn with oil and go to Bethlehem to find Jesse, a man whose family included the future king of Israel. Fearing that Saul might discover his mission and kill him, Samuel is directed by God to take a heifer and announce that he has come to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, inviting Jesse and his sons to the ceremony.
And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. (1 Samuel 16:2-5, KJV)
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Samuel is met with fear by the city’s elders, who ask if his visit is peaceful. He reassures them, stating that he has come to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, and he consecrates Jesse and his sons, inviting them to the ceremony.
The Selection of Jesse’s Sons
As Jesse’s sons arrive, Samuel sees Eliab, the firstborn, and, impressed by his appearance, assumes he must be God’s chosen one. However, the Lord corrects Samuel, teaching a profound lesson: God does not judge by appearance or stature but by the heart.
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:6-7, KJV)
Jesse then presents Abinadab, but God does not choose him either. Next, Shammah (or Shimea) is brought forward, but he is also not selected. One by one, seven of Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel, and none are chosen by the Lord.
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. (1 Samuel 16:8-10, KJV)
Surprised, Samuel asks Jesse if he has any other sons. Jesse mentions the youngest, who is tending the sheep in the field. Samuel insists that the boy be summoned and declares that they will not sit down to eat until he arrives.
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. (1 Samuel 16:11, KJV)
The Anointing of David
David, described as ruddy, handsome, and with beautiful eyes, arrives from the field. The Lord confirms to Samuel that he is the chosen one, commanding that he be anointed.
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:12-13, KJV)
Samuel anoints David with oil in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him from that day forward. After the anointing, Samuel returns to Ramah. Meanwhile, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and an evil spirit, sent by God, begins to torment him.
But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. (1 Samuel 16:14, KJV)
Spiritual Lessons from David’s Selection
David’s selection teaches us that God values the heart above outward appearance or external qualifications. While humans tend to judge by what they see, God perceives intentions, faith, and humility. David, a young shepherd, was chosen not for his stature or experience but for his devotion to God. His anointing marks the beginning of a journey of faith, obedience, and reliance on God, which would lead him to become Israel’s greatest king. May David’s story inspire us to seek a heart aligned with God’s will, trusting in His perfect choice.
