1 Samuel 16 reveals David anointed as king and God's choice beyond appearance. Learn how God values the heart above all external qualities.
The sixteenth chapter of 1 Samuel records one of the most significant moments in biblical history. God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse. Samuel was initially afraid of Saul's reaction, but the Lord instructed him to take a heifer and say he had come to sacrifice to the Lord. When Samuel arrived, he was impressed by Eliab's appearance and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before him" (1 Samuel 16:6). However, the Lord corrected him, saying, "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 16:7).
This divine declaration established a fundamental principle of God's dealings with humanity. The Lord is not impressed by outward appearances but examines the heart. Seven of Jesse's sons were brought before Samuel, but the Lord did not choose any of them. Finally, David, the youngest son, who was tending the sheep, was brought in. The Lord said, "Arise, anoint him: for this is he" (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anointed David, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day forward.
David anointed as king and God's choice beyond appearance recorded in 1 Samuel 16 reveal that God values the heart above all external qualities. David was chosen not because of his stature or appearance but because of his heart. His anointing marked the beginning of a new era in Israel's history and established a dynasty that would culminate in Jesus Christ. This pattern of divine election based on the heart continues throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to cultivate inner faithfulness rather than seeking external approval.
The Context of David's Anointing
Samuel's Grief and God's Command
Samuel was grieving over Saul's rejection. The text states that "Samuel mourned for Saul" (1 Samuel 16:1). The mourning reflected Samuel's sorrow over the failure of the king he had anointed. The rejection of Saul was a source of deep grief for the prophet.
The Lord spoke to Samuel and said, "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). The command was a call to action, directing Samuel to cease mourning and to fulfill God's purposes.
The provision of a new king was a demonstration of God's sovereignty. Despite Saul's failure, God's purposes would not be thwarted. The Lord had already prepared a successor, a man after His own heart. The command to anoint David was the next step in God's plan for Israel.
Samuel's Fear and God's Guidance
Samuel was afraid of Saul's reaction. He said, "How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me" (1 Samuel 16:2). The fear was legitimate, as Saul had become paranoid and would likely have interpreted Samuel's mission as a threat.
The Lord provided Samuel with guidance: "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" (1 Samuel 16:2-3). The instruction allowed Samuel to carry out his mission without provoking Saul.
The Lord's guidance was a demonstration of His care for His servant. He provided a way for Samuel to fulfill his mission while protecting him from harm. The guidance was also a reminder that God's purposes will be accomplished, even in difficult circumstances.
The Selection of David
The Arrival of Samuel
Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and sanctified Jesse and his sons. The elders of the city came to meet him with fear, asking, "Comest thou peaceably?" (1 Samuel 16:4). Samuel assured them that he had come to offer a sacrifice.
Samuel invited Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice. The invitation was the occasion for the divine selection of the new king. The family was gathered, and the sons were presented to Samuel one by one.
The setting was a sacrifice, a reminder that worship and obedience are the context for God's work. The selection of the king was not a political event but a divine act in the context of worship.
The Rejection of the Seven Sons
Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before him" (1 Samuel 16:6). Eliab's appearance was impressive, and Samuel was initially convinced that he was the chosen one. However, the Lord corrected him.
The Lord said, "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 16:7). The declaration was a fundamental principle of divine evaluation.
Six more sons were presented, but the Lord rejected each one. The rejection of the seven sons was a demonstration that God's choice is not based on human standards. The chosen one was still in the fields, tending the sheep.
The Anointing of David
The Summoning of David
Samuel asked Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" (1 Samuel 16:11). Jesse answered, "There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep" (1 Samuel 16:11). David was the youngest and was considered the least significant.
Samuel instructed Jesse, "Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither" (1 Samuel 16:11). The insistence on David's presence was a demonstration that God had chosen him. The youngest son, who was overlooked by his family, was the one God had chosen.
David was brought in, and the text describes his appearance: "he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to" (1 Samuel 16:12). Despite his pleasing appearance, the text emphasizes that David was chosen because of his heart.
The Anointing and the Spirit
The Lord said, "Arise, anoint him: for this is he" (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brethren. The anointing was a symbolic act that signified divine appointment and empowerment.
The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. The divine empowerment was the source of David's strength and success. The Spirit enabled David to fulfill his calling as king.
The anointing marked the beginning of David's journey. He would not immediately become king but would be prepared through trials and testing. The anointing was a confirmation of God's purpose and a promise of future fulfillment.
The Lessons of 1 Samuel 16
God Looks at the Heart
The central lesson of 1 Samuel 16 is that God looks at the heart. The Lord said, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). The declaration is a fundamental principle of divine evaluation.
God is not impressed by external qualities such as appearance, stature, or social status. He examines the inner character and the intentions of the heart. The Proverbs state, "The heart of the king is in the hand of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:1).
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of the heart. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Believers are called to cultivate inner purity and to focus on the condition of their hearts.
The Importance of Humility
David was the youngest son, overlooked by his family. He was tending the sheep while his brothers were presented to Samuel. His humility and his lowly position were part of God's plan.
Humility is essential for receiving God's favor. The apostle Peter wrote, "Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). David's humility was a sign of his heart.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of humility. The apostle Paul wrote, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). David's example encourages believers to cultivate humility.
The Sovereignty of God
The selection of David was a demonstration of God's sovereignty. Despite Saul's rejection and the initial impressions of Samuel, God's purposes were accomplished. The Lord had chosen David, and His choice would stand.
The sovereignty of God is a source of comfort for believers. The psalmist wrote, "But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased" (Psalm 115:3). God is in control, and His purposes will be accomplished.
The New Testament also emphasizes God's sovereignty. The apostle Paul wrote, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). God works through every circumstance to fulfill His plan.
Conclusion
1 Samuel chapter 16 records the anointing of David as king and the principle that God looks at the heart. Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse. The Lord rejected the seven older sons and chose David, the youngest, who was tending the sheep. The anointing marked the beginning of a new era in Israel's history and established a dynasty that would culminate in Jesus Christ.
David anointed as king and God's choice beyond appearance recorded in 1 Samuel 16 reveal that God values the heart above all external qualities. David was chosen not because of his stature or appearance but because of his heart. His anointing marked the beginning of a new era in Israel's history and established a dynasty that would culminate in Jesus Christ. This pattern of divine election based on the heart continues throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to cultivate inner faithfulness rather than seeking external approval.
The story of David's anointing encourages believers to focus on the condition of their hearts, to cultivate humility, and to trust in God's sovereignty. The same God who chose David is able to work through the humble and the lowly to accomplish His purposes. By learning from David's example, believers can experience the blessings of a heart that is fully devoted to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Samuel initially think Eliab was the chosen king?
Samuel initially thought Eliab was the chosen king because of his impressive appearance. He saw Eliab's stature and assumed that he must be the Lord's anointed. However, the Lord corrected Samuel, saying, "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 16:7). Samuel's initial judgment was a reminder that human assessment is often flawed.
2. Why did God choose David, the youngest son?
God chose David, the youngest son, because of his heart. David was not selected because of his appearance or stature but because of his inner character. The Lord said to Samuel, "Arise, anoint him: for this is he" (1 Samuel 16:12). David's heart was fully devoted to God, and his humility and faithfulness made him the ideal candidate for kingship.
3. What was the significance of the anointing with oil?
The anointing with oil was a symbolic act that signified divine appointment and empowerment. The oil represented the Holy Spirit's empowerment, enabling the person to fulfill the role to which God had called them. When David was anointed, "the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13). The anointing marked the beginning of David's journey to the throne.
4. How did the Spirit of the Lord come upon David?
The text states that "the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13). The Spirit's coming was a divine empowerment that enabled David to fulfill his calling as king. The Spirit provided strength, wisdom, and guidance for David's role. The Spirit's presence was the foundation of David's success and a sign of God's favor.
5. What lessons can believers learn from David's anointing?
Believers can learn several important lessons from David's anointing. First, God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. Second, humility is essential for receiving God's favor. Third, God's sovereignty is evident in the selection of David, demonstrating that His purposes will be accomplished. Fourth, divine empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's calling. Believers are called to cultivate a heart fully devoted to God, to practice humility, and to trust in God's sovereignty and provision.
COMMENTS