1 Samuel 16 Study Notes: Samuel Anoints David
The LORD sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons, teaching that God looks within rather than at outward looks. Samuel anoints the youngest, David, and the Spirit comes on him. As a tormenting spirit from the LORD afflicts Saul, David enters Saul's court as his harpist.
General
What happened when Samuel anointed David with his brothers looking on?
Answer: The LORD’s Spirit came powerfully on David
When David arrived, the narrator describes his healthy color, fine eyes and good looks, and the LORD told Samuel to anoint him because he was the chosen one (16:12). Samuel poured the oil on him with the brothers watching, and from that day on the LORD’s Spirit came powerfully upon David (16:13). In the Old Testament, the Spirit coming upon a leader equipped that person for the task God gave, as with Othniel the judge (Judges 3:10). God spoke of finding David and anointing him with His sacred oil (Psalm 89:20), and at the end of his life David described himself as anointed by God, with the LORD’s Spirit speaking through him (2 Samuel 23:1-2).
- 1 Samuel 16:12-13 (BSB)“So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.”David is brought in, the LORD identifies him, and Samuel anoints him as the Spirit comes upon him.
- Psalm 89:20 (BSB)“I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.”God speaks of finding David and anointing him with His sacred oil.
- 2 Samuel 23:1-2 (BSB)“These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.”At the end of his life David describes himself as anointed by God and speaks of the Spirit of the LORD speaking through him.
- Judges 3:10 (BSB)“The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.”The Spirit of the LORD came on Othniel to equip him to judge and lead Israel.
Theological
What accompanied David’s anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13)?
Answer: The LORD’s Spirit came powerfully on David
The LORD identifies David as the one, and Samuel anoints him among his brothers (16:12-13). From that day the LORD’s Spirit rushes upon David, equipping him for his office as the Spirit had empowered Othniel (Judges 3:10). God’s own words celebrate this anointing (Psalm 89:20), and David’s last words recall both his anointing by God and the Spirit’s speaking through him (2 Samuel 23:1-2).
- 1 Samuel 16:12-13 (BSB)“So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.”David is brought in, the LORD identifies him, and Samuel anoints him as the Spirit comes upon him.
- Psalm 89:20 (BSB)“I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.”God speaks of finding David and anointing him with His sacred oil.
- 2 Samuel 23:1-2 (BSB)“These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.”At the end of his life David describes himself as anointed by God and speaks of the Spirit of the LORD speaking through him.
- Judges 3:10 (BSB)“The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.”The Spirit of the LORD came on Othniel to equip him to judge and lead Israel.
General
What happened when David came into Saul’s service?
Answer: Saul loved him and made him his armor-bearer
Saul sent for David, and Jesse sent him with a donkey carrying bread, wine and a young goat (16:19-20). Saul loved David greatly and made him his armor-bearer. Saul asked Jesse to let David stay in his service because he was pleased with him (16:21-22). Whenever the spirit came on Saul, David played for him, and Saul was refreshed as his distress lifted (16:23). God’s hand is clear here: the young man He had chosen as the next king was brought into the king’s own court at Saul’s request. People make their plans, but the LORD directs their steps (Proverbs 16:9), and God Himself brings one down and lifts another up (Psalm 75:6-7).
- 1 Samuel 16:21-22 (BSB)“When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.””David comes to serve Saul, wins his affection, and becomes his armor-bearer.
- 1 Samuel 16:23 (BSB)“And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.”David’s playing brings Saul relief whenever the spirit comes on him.
- Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”People plan their course, but the LORD directs their steps.
- Psalm 75:6-7 (BSB)“For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”God is the one who brings one down and lifts another up.
Theological
How did Saul receive David when he entered royal service?
Answer: Saul loved him and made him his armor-bearer
Saul takes David into his service, loves him greatly, makes him his armor-bearer, and asks Jesse to let him remain (16:21-22). David’s playing brings Saul relief whenever the spirit comes upon him (16:23). In God’s providence the anointed successor is brought into the royal court at Saul’s own initiative: man plans, the LORD directs (Proverbs 16:9), and God Himself abases some and raises up others (Psalm 75:6-7).
- 1 Samuel 16:21-22 (BSB)“When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.””David comes to serve Saul, wins his affection, and becomes his armor-bearer.
- 1 Samuel 16:23 (BSB)“And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.”David’s playing brings Saul relief whenever the spirit comes on him.
- Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”People plan their course, but the LORD directs their steps.
- Psalm 75:6-7 (BSB)“For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”God is the one who brings one down and lifts another up.
General
Why did the LORD tell Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and travel to Jesse’s home in Bethlehem?
Answer: He had picked a king for Himself from Jesse’s sons
The LORD asked Samuel how long he would grieve over Saul, since God had rejected Saul as king. He told Samuel to take a horn filled with oil and travel to Jesse in Bethlehem, because He had chosen one of Jesse’s sons as king for Himself (16:1). To anoint means to pour oil on someone to set him apart for a task God gives. Saul had been given when the people demanded a king like the other nations (8:5); this time God speaks of a king He has picked out for Himself. God had already said He had sought out a man suited to His own heart (13:14), meaning a man God Himself chose who would do His will. The psalm celebrates God choosing David from the sheepfolds (Psalm 78:70-71), and Paul says God testified that David would carry out all His will (Acts 13:22).
- 1 Samuel 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.””The LORD ends Samuel’s mourning for Saul and sends him to Jesse’s family in Bethlehem.
- 1 Samuel 13:14 (BSB)“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.””God had already said He had sought a man after His own heart to lead His people.
- Psalm 78:70-71 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.”The psalm celebrates God’s choice of David, taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd Israel.
- Acts 13:22 (BSB)“After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’”Paul says God testified that David would carry out all His will.
Theological
What reason did the LORD give for sending Samuel, horn filled with oil, to Jesse’s household in Bethlehem?
Answer: He had picked a king for Himself from Jesse’s sons
The LORD rebukes Samuel’s prolonged mourning, reminds him of Saul’s rejection, and sends him to Bethlehem because He has provided Himself a king among Jesse’s sons (16:1). The emphasis falls on God’s sovereign choice of a king for Himself, where Saul had been given at the people’s demand (8:5). This is the man God sought according to His own heart in 13:14, not a sinless man but God’s chosen servant to do His will (Acts 13:22). Psalm 78:70-71 celebrates the same election of David from the sheepfolds.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.””The LORD ends Samuel’s mourning for Saul and sends him to Jesse’s family in Bethlehem.
- 1 Samuel 13:14 (BSB)“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.””God had already said He had sought a man after His own heart to lead His people.
- Psalm 78:70-71 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.”The psalm celebrates God’s choice of David, taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd Israel.
- Acts 13:22 (BSB)“After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’”Paul says God testified that David would carry out all His will.
General
When Samuel objected that Saul would kill him if he went, what did the LORD tell him to do?
Answer: Bring a heifer and go to offer a sacrifice
Samuel was afraid that Saul would hear of the trip and kill him (16:2). The LORD told him to take a young cow and announce that he had come to offer a sacrifice, to invite Jesse to it, and to wait, because God would show him what to do and whom to anoint (16:2-3). Samuel then invited Jesse’s family to the sacrifice, as instructed (16:5). The elders of Bethlehem trembled when he arrived and asked whether he came in peace, and he told them he did (16:4-5). God did not give Samuel the whole plan at once, but promised to guide him step by step, as He had promised Moses (Exodus 4:12) and promises His people (Psalm 32:8).
- 1 Samuel 16:2-3 (BSB)““How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.””Samuel fears Saul, and the LORD tells him to bring a heifer and promises to show him what to do.
- 1 Samuel 16:4-5 (BSB)“So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” “In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.”The elders of Bethlehem tremble at Samuel’s arrival, and he invites Jesse’s family to the sacrifice.
- Exodus 4:12 (BSB)“Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.””God also promised to help Moses speak and teach him what to say when he hesitated to go.
- Psalm 32:8 (BSB)“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.”God promises to instruct and guide His people in the way they should go.
Theological
How did the LORD answer Samuel’s fear that Saul would kill him?
Answer: Bring a heifer and go to offer a sacrifice
Samuel’s fear of Saul is real (16:2). The LORD directs him to take a heifer and announce a sacrifice, to invite Jesse, and to wait for further instruction about whom to anoint (16:2-3); Samuel does invite Jesse’s family to the sacrifice (16:5). The trembling elders’ question about peace shows the weight Samuel’s arrival carried (16:4-5). God’s guidance comes step by step, as with Moses (Exodus 4:12), consistent with His promise to counsel His people (Psalm 32:8).
- 1 Samuel 16:2-3 (BSB)““How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.””Samuel fears Saul, and the LORD tells him to bring a heifer and promises to show him what to do.
- 1 Samuel 16:4-5 (BSB)“So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” “In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.”The elders of Bethlehem tremble at Samuel’s arrival, and he invites Jesse’s family to the sacrifice.
- Exodus 4:12 (BSB)“Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.””God also promised to help Moses speak and teach him what to say when he hesitated to go.
- Psalm 32:8 (BSB)“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.”God promises to instruct and guide His people in the way they should go.
General
How did one of Saul’s servants describe the son of Jesse he recommended?
Answer: A skilled harpist and brave warrior, with the LORD’s presence
One servant said he knew of one of Jesse’s sons who could play the harp, a brave man and a warrior, well-spoken and good-looking, and that the LORD’s presence was with him (16:18). The most important point comes last: God was with David. The description of David as a warrior is borne out in the next chapter, where he tells of killing lions and bears to protect his flock (17:34-36). Later the narrator explains David’s success by the LORD’s presence with him (18:14), and David is remembered as Israel’s sweet psalmist (2 Samuel 23:1).
- 1 Samuel 16:18 (BSB)“One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.””One of Saul’s servants recommends David and lists his qualities.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-36 (BSB)“David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.””David’s account of fighting lions and bears shows the courage the servant described.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”David succeeded in everything because the LORD was with him.
- 2 Samuel 23:1 (BSB)“These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:”David is remembered as the sweet psalmist of Israel.
Theological
What qualities did Saul’s servant attribute to the son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:18)?
Answer: A skilled harpist and brave warrior, with the LORD’s presence
The servant commends David as a skilled player, a valiant warrior, prudent in speech, of fine appearance, and, climactically, one with whom the LORD is present (16:18). His valor is confirmed by his account of slaying lions and bears (17:34-36); his success is later ascribed to the LORD’s presence (18:14); and his musical gift marks him as Israel’s sweet psalmist (2 Samuel 23:1).
- 1 Samuel 16:18 (BSB)“One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.””One of Saul’s servants recommends David and lists his qualities.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-36 (BSB)“David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.””David’s account of fighting lions and bears shows the courage the servant described.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”David succeeded in everything because the LORD was with him.
- 2 Samuel 23:1 (BSB)“These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:”David is remembered as the sweet psalmist of Israel.
General
True or False: Saul’s servants recognized that his torment came from God and proposed finding a skilled harpist to play for him.
Answer: True
This is true. Saul’s servants told him that a God-sent spirit of distress was tormenting him, and they suggested looking for someone who could play the harp well. Whenever the spirit came on Saul, the musician would play and Saul would feel better (16:15-16). Saul agreed and told them to find such a man (16:17). The servants clearly understood that this trouble came from God. Harp-playing would become a regular part of David’s service, and later chapters tell of this spirit of distress coming on Saul while David played (18:10; 19:9).
- 1 Samuel 16:15-16 (BSB)“Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.””Saul’s servants trace his torment to God and suggest a skilled harpist.
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (BSB)“The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,”Later the spirit of distress comes on Saul again while David plays the harp.
- 1 Samuel 19:9 (BSB)“But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,”Another time the spirit of distress comes on Saul as David plays.
Theological
True or False: Saul’s servants identified God as the source of his torment and recommended a skilled harpist.
Answer: True
This is true. The servants attribute Saul’s affliction to a God-sent spirit of distress and propose a skilled harpist whose music would bring relief (16:15-16), and Saul commands them to find one (16:17). The arrangement becomes recurrent, and later episodes show the spirit coming upon Saul during David’s playing (18:10; 19:9).
- 1 Samuel 16:15-16 (BSB)“Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.””Saul’s servants trace his torment to God and suggest a skilled harpist.
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (BSB)“The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,”Later the spirit of distress comes on Saul again while David plays the harp.
- 1 Samuel 19:9 (BSB)“But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,”Another time the spirit of distress comes on Saul as David plays.
General
According to 1 Samuel 16:14, what happened to Saul after David’s anointing?
Answer: God’s Spirit left, and a tormenting spirit of distress came
The very next thing the narrator records is that the LORD’s Spirit left Saul, and a God-sent spirit of distress tormented him (16:14). The Spirit who had come upon Saul to equip him as king (10:10; 11:6) had now come upon David (16:13). The text does not explain exactly what this spirit was, whether a spirit being or a deep inner torment. What it does make clear is that it came from the LORD. God had done something similar with Abimelech (Judges 9:23), and the narrator later says that Saul feared David since the LORD had left Saul and was present with David (18:12). God rules over both good and hardship (Lamentations 3:37-38), yet Saul remained responsible for his own actions.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (BSB)“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”The Spirit of the LORD leaves Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD begins to torment him.
- Judges 9:23 (BSB)“God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,”God also sent a spirit that set Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem against each other.
- 1 Samuel 18:12 (BSB)“So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.”Saul later feared David because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
- Lamentations 3:37-38 (BSB)“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?”Nothing comes to pass unless the Lord has ordained it, adversity as well as good.
Theological
What does 1 Samuel 16:14 record concerning Saul following David’s anointing?
Answer: God’s Spirit left, and a tormenting spirit of distress came
The LORD’s Spirit departs from Saul; a God-sent spirit of distress torments him (16:14). The empowering Spirit that came upon Saul for his office (10:10; 11:6) has passed to David (16:13). The narrator does not define the nature of this spirit; what is explicit is its source in the LORD, as when God caused hostility to come between Abimelech and Shechem (Judges 9:23). The narrator later explains Saul’s fear of David by the LORD’s presence with David and departure from Saul (18:12). God ordains adversity as well as good (Lamentations 3:37-38), while Saul remains accountable for his own deeds.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (BSB)“Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.”The Spirit of the LORD leaves Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD begins to torment him.
- Judges 9:23 (BSB)“God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,”God also sent a spirit that set Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem against each other.
- 1 Samuel 18:12 (BSB)“So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.”Saul later feared David because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
- Lamentations 3:37-38 (BSB)“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?”Nothing comes to pass unless the Lord has ordained it, adversity as well as good.
General
When Samuel looked at Eliab and thought he must be the LORD’s anointed, what did the LORD tell him?
Answer: People judge by looks, but God judges the heart
When Jesse’s eldest son Eliab came in, Samuel was sure he was the LORD’s anointed. But God told him not to look at Eliab’s appearance or height, because He had rejected him. God does not see the way people do; people look at the outside, but God looks at the heart (16:6-7). Saul had been chosen when he towered over everyone (10:23-24), and Samuel was ready to be impressed in the same way again. God’s choice does not follow what impresses people. He alone searches every heart (Jeremiah 17:10), and Jesus taught that God knows hearts even when people look good to others (Luke 16:15).
- 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (BSB)“When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””Samuel assumes Eliab is the chosen one, but the LORD corrects him.
- 1 Samuel 10:23-24 (BSB)“So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!””Saul had stood a head taller than everyone when he was presented as king.
- Jeremiah 17:10 (BSB)“I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.”The LORD searches the heart and examines the mind.
- Luke 16:15 (BSB)“So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.”Jesus says that God knows the heart, though people justify themselves before others.
Theological
What correction did the LORD give Samuel when he assumed Eliab was the anointed one (1 Samuel 16:7)?
Answer: People judge by looks, but God judges the heart
Samuel judges by Eliab’s bearing, but the LORD has rejected him and tells Samuel not to regard appearance or stature, since God’s sight differs from man’s: man sees the exterior, while God looks within (16:6-7). The lesson is pointed after Saul, whose height marked him out (10:23-24). God’s election is not governed by human estimation; He alone searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10), and what people prize is not what He regards (Luke 16:15).
- 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (BSB)“When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.””Samuel assumes Eliab is the chosen one, but the LORD corrects him.
- 1 Samuel 10:23-24 (BSB)“So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!””Saul had stood a head taller than everyone when he was presented as king.
- Jeremiah 17:10 (BSB)“I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.”The LORD searches the heart and examines the mind.
- Luke 16:15 (BSB)“So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.”Jesus says that God knows the heart, though people justify themselves before others.
General
After seven of Jesse’s sons had passed before Samuel, what did Jesse say about his youngest son?
Answer: He was out in the fields looking after the flock
Jesse brought seven sons before Samuel one by one, and each time Samuel answered that God had passed him over (16:8-10). Samuel asked whether these were all of Jesse’s sons. Jesse answered that the youngest was still left, out tending the sheep. Samuel told him to send for the boy, refusing to sit down for the meal until he came (16:11). God often chooses those whom others overlook: He took David from the sheepfolds to shepherd His people (Psalm 78:70-71), and He chooses what the world thinks weak or lowly so that nobody can boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Israel itself had been chosen not because it was numerous, for it was the fewest of peoples (Deuteronomy 7:7).
- 1 Samuel 16:10-11 (BSB)“Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.””Seven sons pass before Samuel without being chosen, and the youngest is sent for.
- Psalm 78:70-71 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.”God took David from tending sheep to shepherd His people.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (BSB)“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. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.”God chooses the lowly and overlooked so that no one may boast before Him.
- Deuteronomy 7:7 (BSB)“The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.”God did not choose Israel because it outnumbered other peoples.
Theological
When Samuel asked whether these seven were all of Jesse’s sons, what did Jesse say about the youngest?
Answer: He was out in the fields looking after the flock
With all seven sons passed over (16:8-10), Samuel presses Jesse, who then mentions the youngest, away keeping the sheep; Samuel insists the meal must wait until he arrives (16:11). God’s choice falls on the son left out with the flock, the shepherd taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd Israel (Psalm 78:70-71). This fits the pattern of sovereign election that passes over human greatness so that no flesh may boast (1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Deuteronomy 7:7).
- 1 Samuel 16:10-11 (BSB)“Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.””Seven sons pass before Samuel without being chosen, and the youngest is sent for.
- Psalm 78:70-71 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.”God took David from tending sheep to shepherd His people.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (BSB)“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. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.”God chooses the lowly and overlooked so that no one may boast before Him.
- Deuteronomy 7:7 (BSB)“The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.”God did not choose Israel because it outnumbered other peoples.