1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’
3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem.
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.”
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.
15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.
16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.”
17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.”
18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.”
19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.”
20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul.
21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.
22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”
23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
The True Meaning of 1 Samuel 16
The book of 1 Samuel is believed to have been written by the prophet Samuel himself, as well as the scribes who recorded his life and the events of his time. Samuel’s account, as a revered figure in Israelite history, provides a firsthand perspective on the transition from the era of judges to the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and King David. Samuel anoints the young shepherd David to become the next king of Israel in this chapter, marking a pivotal moment in his life. This event sets the stage for the eventual downfall of King Saul and the rise of David, who will become one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the biblical narrative. We will see how God’s sovereign plan unfolds, even in the midst of human failings and political turmoil.
The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience and discernment, as Samuel is instructed by God to anoint a new king, despite the outward appearances of Saul’s sons. This foreshadows the recurring theme in Scripture of God’s ability to see the heart and choose leaders according to His own purposes, rather than human expectations (1 Samuel 16:7).
1 Samuel 16:1-3
The Lord spoke to the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:1-3, directing him to go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king in place of Saul. This passage is significant as it marks a turning point in the history of Israel as God is preparing to replace Saul with David, who will become one of the most renowned and beloved kings in the Bible.
Samuel’s role in anointing the new king showcases the obedience and trust he had in God’s guidance. Despite the danger that could come from anointing a new king while Saul was still reigning, Samuel trusted in God’s plan and followed His instructions without hesitation. This demonstrates the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God’s will, even when it may not make logical sense to us.
The lesson we can draw from this passage is the idea of God’s sovereignty. God knew the heart of Saul and that he was no longer fit to lead His people, so He was preparing to replace him with David. This shows that God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. God highlights that He doesn’t judge based on worldly standards but on the condition of one’s heart by choosing David, a humble shepherd boy. We reflect on this passage and are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience before God. David’s anointing as king began with a humble origin, and his willingness to obey God’s calling set him apart as a man after God’s own heart. This contrasts with Saul, who started out as a humble man but allowed pride and disobedience to lead to his downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale for us to remain humble and obedient in our walk with God. The anointing of David as king foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ in the broader context of the Bible, who is often referred to as the “Son of David.”” Through David’s lineage, Jesus would be born, fulfilling the prophecy of being the ultimate King who would reign forever. This connection highlights the significance of David’s anointing in God’s redemptive plan for humanity and emphasizes the importance of God’s timing and purposes in our lives.
1 Samuel 16:4-5
The LORD sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem with a specific purpose in 1 Samuel 16:4-5. The passage reads, “So Samuel did what the LORD said, and went to Bethlehem. The elders of the town trembled at his coming and asked, ‘Do you come in peace?’ He replied, ‘Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.’ Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.”
This section is pivotal as it marks the shifting of God’s favour from King Saul to a new chosen king, David. Samuel’s arrival in Bethlehem causes fear among the elders as his presence is often associated with delivering messages from God, which could bring blessings or judgments. The fact that they ask if he comes in peace shows a deep reverence and fear of the power of God’s prophet.
Samuel’s call for Jesse and his sons to consecrate themselves and join him in the sacrifice is significant. It sets the stage for the anointing of David by God. The selection of a new king in Bethlehem, the city of David, holds great symbolism as it connects David’s lineage to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. The act of consecration indicates setting apart for a holy purpose, foreshadowing David’s anointing as king.
Through these verses, the timeless message conveyed is the theme of God’s sovereignty in choosing His servants. Despite human expectations or appearances, God looks at the heart, as later explained when David is chosen over his older brothers based on his heart that seeks after God (1 Samuel 16:7). This theme recurs throughout the Bible, with God often choosing the unexpected or unlikely (like David, a young shepherd) to fulfill His divine purposes, showcasing His wisdom and power over human understanding (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
1 Samuel 16:6-7
Verse 6 of 1 Samuel 16 reads, “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.’” Here we have the prophet Samuel visiting Bethlehem on a divine mission to anoint the next king of Israel. Samuel, a man of great spiritual discernment, sees Eliab, the oldest son of Jesse, and assumes that he must be the chosen one. Eliab appeared to have the qualities that one might associate with kingship – he was likely strong, impressive, and perhaps even kingly in appearance. This highlights a common human trait of judging based on outward appearances, something that is contrary to God’s way of looking at the heart. The Lord explains to Samuel in verse 7, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This powerful verse serves as a reminder to all readers, then and now, that God’s ways are not our ways. While humans often judge based on externals – wealth, power, beauty – God looks at the heart. This theme of God valuing the inner character and intentions of individuals over their outward appearances is a consistent message throughout the Bible.
This rejection of Eliab in favor of someone unexpected teaches us a valuable lesson about God’s sovereignty and wisdom. It harkens back to the story of David, the youngest son of Jesse, who is ultimately chosen by God to be the king of Israel. David, a humble shepherd boy with a heart devoted to God, goes on to become one of the most famous and faithful kings in Israel’s history. This rejection of the expected and exaltation of the humble and unlikely candidate is a recurring theme in the Bible, showing us that God’s ways are often contrary to our expectations, but always for the greater good. This verse encourages us to look beyond the surface and to cultivate the qualities of the heart that are pleasing to God.
1 Samuel 16:8-10
God sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:8-10, after rejecting King Saul for his disobedience. When Samuel arrives, he sees Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, and assumes that he must be the one chosen by God due to his outward appearance. However, the Lord corrects Samuel, saying, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
This passage is a powerful reminder that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that He values the condition of our hearts above all else. It teaches us that outward appearances and worldly success are not the measure by which God judges a person. This concept is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Proverbs 21:2 which says, “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
Samuel then goes on to see Jesse’s other sons, one by one, but none of them are chosen by God. It is only when David, the youngest son who was out tending the sheep, is brought before Samuel that God confirms he is the chosen one. David was not even considered by Jesse to be a candidate for kingship, yet he was the one chosen by God.
This event foreshadows the future reign of King David, who would become one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history. David’s story is one of faith, courage, and repentance. Despite his human flaws and sins, David was known as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). His life serves as a testament to God’s grace and forgiveness, showing that even the most unlikely individual can be used mightily by God when their heart is aligned with His will. 1 Samuel 16:8-10 teaches us the importance of having a heart that is devoted to God. It reminds us that God sees beyond our external traits and values the sincerity and loyalty of our hearts. The story of David’s anointing serves as a powerful lesson in humility, faith, and obedience to God’s will, showcasing how God chooses and uses individuals according to His divine purposes, often in ways that go against human expectations.
1 Samuel 16:11-13
Samuel is tasked by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the future king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:11-13, replacing Saul who fell out of favor with the Lord. Samuel sees Eliab, the eldest son, and assumes he is the one chosen by God due to his outward appearance and stature as he stands before Jesse and his sons. However, God reminds Samuel not to look at outward appearances, for God looks at the heart.
This particular section of the Bible holds a timeless message that emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances. It serves as a reminder for us to not judge or make decisions based solely on what we see on the surface but to seek out the deeper qualities that lie within individuals. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 31:30 which states, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Jesse presents his sons before Samuel one by one, and it becomes clear that none of them are the chosen one. When Samuel asks if there are any more sons, Jesse mentions the youngest, David, who was out tending the sheep. It’s fascinating to note that David, the youngest and seemingly least likely candidate, turns out to be the one chosen by God. This demonstrates that God’s ways are not our ways, and He often chooses the unlikely and unexpected to carry out His divine plans. This aligns with Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
When David is finally brought before Samuel, the Lord confirms that he is the chosen one by instructing Samuel to anoint him. The Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon David from that day on as he pours the oil over him. This anointing marks the beginning of David’s journey to kingship, a path filled with triumphs, trials, and moments of deep faith in God. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 teaches us valuable lessons about the nature of God’s selection process, the importance of looking beyond appearances, and the transformative power of God’s anointing. It sets the stage for the remarkable story of David, a man after God’s own heart, who would become one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history.
1 Samuel 16:14-16
The spiritual architecture of the divine working in the human realm is witnessed in 1 Samuel 16:14-16. The section starts with “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.” Here, we see a significant shift in Saul’s life. The departure of the Spirit of the Lord signifies God’s withdrawal of favor and anointing from Saul due to his disobedience and pride. This departure made room for an evil spirit to torment him. It’s important to note that the evil spirit is not directly from God but permitted by Him as a consequence of Saul’s actions. This can serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of obedience in maintaining God’s favor.
Moving on to the next part, we see Saul’s servants recognizing the need for a musician to calm the tormenting spirit within Saul. One of the servants suggests the son of Jesse, David, as a musician. David was not only a skilled musician but was also known to have found favor in the eyes of God, as we see later in the chapter when Samuel anoints him as the future king of Israel. This choice was not a coincidence but a part of God’s divine plan to bring David into the service of the king and ultimately to fulfill the prophecy of a new king rising in Israel. David is brought before Saul in the final verse of this section. David’s musical talent and righteous spirit have a calming effect on Saul, providing temporary relief from the tormenting spirit. This moment serves as a foreshadowing of David’s future role in Saul’s life and in the history of Israel. It highlights David’s unique ability to bring comfort and peace through his music but also signifies his greater calling to bring peace and unity to the nation as its future king.
This passage not only reveals the spiritual dynamics at play in the lives of Saul and David but also carries timeless lessons for us today. It reminds us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God’s favor through obedience and humility. It also illustrates God’s sovereignty in orchestrating events to fulfill His greater purposes, even using the talents and qualities of individuals like David to bring about His plans. This passage ultimately sets the stage for the unfolding drama of David’s rise to kingship and serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in raising up leaders according to His own heart.
1 Samuel 16:17-18
The prophet Samuel anointed David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be the future king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16:17-18. This event is significant because it marks a turning point in the history of Israel. Prior to this, Saul had been chosen as the first king of Israel, but due to his disobedience to God, the Lord had rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:23). Samuel was commanded by God to anoint a new king from the household of Jesse, and through divine guidance, he found David, a shepherd boy, who was not even considered by his own father to be a potential candidate for kingship.
The selection of David over his older and more outwardly impressive brothers signifies a crucial principle in the Bible that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. David’s humility, faithfulness, courage, and trust in God made him a worthy choice for kingship, as God saw in David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) in this case. This demonstrates a theme that is repeated throughout the Bible – that God values qualities such as humility, faith, and obedience over worldly status or appearances. The anointing of David foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the “Son of David” in the Bible. David, as a king, a warrior, a poet, and a man of deep faith, is seen as a type of Christ in the Old Testament. Both David and Jesus were appointed by God to be kings, and they both showed qualities of leadership, compassion, and reliance on God. The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament traces back to the line of David, highlighting the significance of David’s kingship as a forerunner to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
This passage serves as a reminder that God’s ways are not our ways, and His choices often defy human expectations. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, social status, or human judgments, and to seek after the qualities of heart that are pleasing to God. Just as God saw potential in David that others did not recognize, we are encouraged to trust in God’s providence and believe that He can use ordinary, unlikely individuals for extraordinary purposes. The story of David’s anointing exemplifies God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and grace in choosing His servants, and it inspires us to live our lives in alignment with His will, seeking after His heart in all that we do.
1 Samuel 16:19-21
David has a significant moment in his life before he becomes king in 1 Samuel 16:19-21. Identify the subject: “Let us”
Rewritten sentence: Let us break down this passage into important sections. “Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, ‘Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.’ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. David is summoned by King Saul in this section, and we witness the unfolding of God’s plan. David, at this juncture, is not yet widely known but is still faithfully tending to his father’s sheep. It is important to note the humility and obedience of David as he responds to his father’s request to go to Saul. This act of obedience is a foreshadowing of the obedient servant that David will become as king, always seeking to align himself with God’s will.
-
“David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.” – This section highlights David’s entrance into King Saul’s service. We see here the beginning of the complex relationship between David and Saul. At this point, Saul sees David as a talented young man and takes him into his service. This sets the stage for the future events where David’s popularity and success will lead to Saul’s jealousy and attempts to harm him. This theme of jealousy and the rise of a new leader can be seen throughout the Bible, such as with Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37 or with Jesus and the religious leaders in the New Testament.
-
“Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, ‘Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.’ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” – This final section reveals an interesting dynamic between David, Saul, and God. David’s musical talents soothe Saul when he is troubled by an evil spirit. This demonstrates God’s providence in using David’s abilities to bring peace and comfort to Saul. It also shows how God can work through seemingly insignificant talents or acts to bring about His purposes. This also foreshadows David’s future role as a psalmist, using music and song to worship God and express his emotions. These verses in 1 Samuel 16 depict the beginning of David’s journey from a humble shepherd to the future king of Israel. It showcases his obedience, skills, and God’s providential hand at work in his life. Through this passage, we are reminded of God’s ability to use the unlikely and the humble to bring about His plans and purposes. David’s story serves as a testament to the power of faith, obedience, and God’s sovereignty in the lives of His chosen ones.
1 Samuel 16:22-23
Verse 22 of 1 Samuel 16 describes how King Saul sends a message to Jesse, requesting that David, who is described as a skilled musician, come to play the lyre for him. Music was believed to have a soothing effect on the mind and soul, and it was not uncommon for musicians to be employed in the courts of ancient kings to calm their spirits. David’s skill in playing the lyre illustrates his talent and sensitivity in this context, qualities that will become evident later in his life as he displays wisdom and courage as the future king of Israel. David playing the lyre in verse 23 caused the distressing spirit troubling Saul to depart from him, making him feel refreshed and well. This instance illustrates the power of music and its ability to bring peace and solace to individuals. It also sets the stage for the relationship between David and Saul, which will eventually become strained as David’s popularity and success grow, leading to tension and conflict between the two.
This passage in 1 Samuel also highlights the theme of God’s providence and how He uses individuals to fulfill His purposes. David, anointed by Samuel in this chapter to be the future king of Israel, is brought into Saul’s court not by chance, but by divine orchestration. Just as God used David’s musical talents to soothe Saul, He will later use David’s courage and faith to deliver Israel from its enemies and establish the Davidic dynasty.
Additionally, the concept of the power of music to calm spirits and bring comfort is echoed in other parts of the Bible. The prophet Elisha calls for a musician to play in 2 Kings 3:15, and as the music is played, the hand of the Lord comes upon him. This demonstrates the spiritual significance of music in the biblical context and how it can be a medium through which God’s presence is felt and His peace is experienced.
After 1 Samuel 16
The Lord had rejected Saul as king over Israel. He sent Samuel to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a new king. Samuel looked at Jesse’s sons, but the Lord did not choose any of them. Finally, the youngest son, David, was brought in from the fields. The Lord told Samuel, “Arise, anoint him, for this is the one.” Samuel anointed David in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day forward. David’s life would be forever changed as the Lord’s anointed. The path ahead would not be easy, for Saul would soon turn against him. But David knew the Lord had chosen him for a purpose, and he would need to rely on God’s strength and guidance to navigate the trials that lay ahead. The next chapter would reveal how David’s faith would be tested, and how the Lord would prepare him to become the greatest king in Israel’s history.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.