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1 Samuel 16 Saul's Unfaithfulness and David's Anointing

Samuel Anoints David

1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me.”
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 to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”

4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?”

5 Samuel 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.

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

David in Saul’s Service

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.

15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better.”

17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 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.

21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

23 Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Previous Chapter 1 Samuel 15 Next Chapter 1 Samuel 17

Analysis of 1 Samuel Chapter 16

1 Samuel Chapter 16 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Old Testament, introducing David, a young shepherd who will eventually become a central figure in the history of Israel. This chapter is deeply layered with theological themes, character development, and divine intervention. In this analysis, we will explore the significance of God’s choice, the anointing of David, and the subsequent events that lead to his introduction at Saul’s court. The chapter is rich in narrative detail and theological implications, offering profound insights into the nature of leadership, divine selection, and providence.

The Lord Rejects Saul as King (Verses 1-3)

The chapter begins with the Lord commanding Samuel to anoint a new king over Israel:

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (1 Samuel 16:1, NIV)

This verse highlights several important dynamics. First, it reflects God’s active role in the history of Israel. God’s sorrow over Saul’s failure and His decision to move forward with a new plan indicates divine disappointment with Saul but also a continued commitment to the welfare of Israel. God’s rejection of Saul demonstrates that divine approval is contingent upon obedience and righteous behavior.

Second, the setting in Bethlehem is significant. It foreshadows future events where Bethlehem will play a crucial role, particularly in the coming of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David. The selection of Bethlehem over more prominent locations reinforces the biblical theme of God’s unexpected choices.

Samuel’s Obedience and Fear (Verses 2-3)

Samuel expresses fear in response to God’s command:

But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” (1 Samuel 16:2-3, NIV)

These verses illustrate Samuel’s concern for his safety, revealing the tension and danger present in Israel’s political climate. His fear of Saul’s retribution underscores Saul’s volatile nature and sets the stage for understanding the tremendous courage required to follow God’s commands. God’s instruction to take a heifer and invite Jesse to sacrifice provides Samuel with a legitimate reason to visit Bethlehem, showcasing God’s wisdom and provision in orchestrating His plans.

God’s Selection Criteria (Verses 4-7)

Samuel travels to Bethlehem, and upon his arrival, the elders of the town tremble:

Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” Samuel 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. (1 Samuel 16:4-5, NIV)

The fear of the elders signifies the weight of Samuel’s presence and perhaps reflects their awareness of the current unstable political situation under Saul’s rule. It also emphasizes Samuel’s authority as a prophet of the Lord, a figure whose actions and words command serious attention and respect.

The narrative then shifts to the process of selecting the new king:

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “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.” (1 Samuel 16:6-7, NIV)

This verse is profoundly significant as it reveals the criteria by which God makes His selection. Unlike humans, who often judge based on physical appearance or charisma, God values the inner qualities of a person – their heart and character. This divine perspective serves as a critical lesson in evaluating leadership and worth. By rejecting Eliab, who is presumably tall and handsome, the narrative underscores the importance of spiritual and moral qualities over external traits.

David’s Anointing (Verses 8-13)

Jesse presents seven of his sons to Samuel, each of whom the Lord rejects until finally, David is summoned:

So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” (1 Samuel 16:11, NIV)

David’s occupation as a shepherd is symbolic. Shepherding represents care, protection, and leadership – all qualities necessary for a king. His seemingly insignificant role as the youngest and his absence from the initial lineup highlight the unexpected nature of God’s choices. This narrative echoes the biblical motif of God exalting the humble and the lowly.

Upon David’s arrival:

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:12-13, NIV)

The act of anointing is deeply symbolic, signifying God’s choice and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. The presence of the Spirit upon David from that day signifies his divine approval and readiness for future leadership. This anointing sets David apart and prepares him for the great tasks ahead, underscoring the importance of divine endorsement and empowerment in effective leadership.

David Enters Saul’s Service (Verses 14-23)

The chapter then shifts to Saul, who is tormented by an evil spirit:

Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” (1 Samuel 16:14-16, NIV)

This passage reveals the spiritual state of Saul. The departure of the Spirit of the Lord from Saul signifies his ultimate rejection as king and the withdrawal of divine favor. The tormenting spirit, described as coming from God, can be interpreted as a form of divine judgment, indicating the physical and psychological consequences of Saul’s disobedience. The servants’ suggestion to find someone skilled in playing the lyre introduces the therapeutic power of music, a theme that will resonate throughout David’s story.

David’s selection to serve Saul provides the final key element of this chapter:

So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” … Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” (1 Samuel 16:17-18, 22, NIV)

David’s introduction to Saul’s court not only sets the stage for his rise to prominence but also for the complex relationship he will have with Saul. The description of David as a skilled musician, brave warrior, and eloquent speaker enriches his character profile, emphasizing his multifaceted talents and divine favor. Saul’s acceptance of David and his subsequent enjoyment of David’s music indicate the initial harmony and interaction between the rejected king and his future replacement.

Conclusion

1 Samuel Chapter 16 is a narrative rich in theological and literary elements. The chapter handles the transition of divine favor from Saul to David with deep symbolic actions and spiritual undertones. It underscores the crucial theme that God’s choices are based on inner qualities rather than outward appearances, a principle essential for understanding biblical leadership. The juxtaposition of Saul’s torment and David’s rising star serves as a powerful narrative device, highlighting God’s sovereignty in orchestrating Israel’s history and setting the stage for David’s eventual kingship.

This chapter not only introduces David but also begins to address the profound implications of divine selection, the anointing of God’s chosen, and the preparation necessary for leadership. Through Samuel, David, and Saul, the narrative offers rich lessons on obedience, divine guidance, and the true nature of God’s favor, providing enduring wisdom for readers and believers through the ages.