Anointing the Unseen: David's Rise Begins

The narrative of 1 Samuel 16 reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. He chooses to work through the least expected, most overlooked people to bring about His divine purposes. David, a simple shepherd boy, becomes God's chosen king, highlighting the importance of heart condition over external appearances. Additionally, the account illustrates God’s sovereignty and the spiritual implications of obedience and disobedience to Him.

A New King is Chosen (Verses 1-5)

God, distressed by Saul's disobedience, instructs Samuel to anoint a new king. Samuel is sent to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse, under the pretext of performing a sacrifice. Although fearful of Saul, Samuel obeys God's command, thereby setting the stage for the emergence of a new king.

God Looks at the Heart (Verses 6-13)

When Samuel sees Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, he assumes that Eliab is God's chosen one. However, God rebukes Samuel's presumption, highlighting the importance of inner character over physical appearances. God does not choose any of Jesse's seven sons who were present. Instead, the youngest son, David, who was tending sheep, is summoned and anointed by Samuel in the presence of his brothers. The Spirit of the Lord then came powerfully upon David.

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

The Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, who is tormented by an evil spirit. Saul's servants suggest finding a harp player to soothe him. One servant recommends David, known for his bravery, excellent harp playing, and good character. Saul sends for David, who enters his service and becomes his armor-bearer. When the evil spirit torments Saul, David plays the harp, calming Saul and making him feel better.

The sixteenth chapter of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history: the divine selection and anointing of David, the future king. This chapter is an impactful testament to the ways in which God values inner character over outer appearance and has the power to anoint those whom He chooses. Samuel, obeying God's command, embarks on a mission to anoint the unexpected candidate, David, thereby commencing a new era for Israel.

1. Obedience to God's commands
2. The importance of inner character over outer appearances
3. God's anointing and spiritual authority
4. God's providential plan1. Samuel's mission to anoint a new king
2. The anointing of David
3. The Spirit of the Lord on David
4. The departure of the Spirit from Saul and the tormenting spirit1. Samuel
2. God (Yahweh)
3. Jesse
4. Jesse's sons (Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, and David)
5. Saul
6. Saul's servants1. Bethlehem
2. Jesse's house
3. Saul's court

1. How does the anointing of David challenge societal norms and expectations about leadership?

2. In what ways can you relate to Samuel's fear in following God's commands? How can you overcome this fear?

3. What can you learn from God's refusal of Jesse's older sons and selection of David?

4. Why do you think God chose to anoint David while Saul was still king? What might this teach us about God's timing?

5. What does David’s anointing tell us about the characteristics God values in a leader?

6. How do you interpret Saul's torment by an evil spirit and David's role in soothing him?

7. How does David's initial interaction with Saul foreshadow their future relationship?

8. What lessons about God's providence can be drawn from the coincidental recommendation of David to Saul's court?

9. How does this chapter demonstrate the spiritual consequences of obedience and disobedience?

10. How can you apply the principle of "God looks at the heart" in your relationships and assessments of others?

11. How does the transition from Saul's reign to David's reflect the concept of divine justice?

12. How can you relate to David's humble beginnings before his rise to greatness?

13. How might David have felt during his anointing, knowing he was chosen but not yet in power?

14. In what areas of your life do you feel God could be asking you to focus less on outward appearances and more on inner character?

15. How can David's willingness to serve in Saul's court inspire us to humble service today?

16. How can the differences between Saul and David inform your understanding of leadership?

17. What lessons about patience and faithfulness can be drawn from David's time at Saul's court before his reign as king?

18. In what ways does the story of David's anointing challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty?

19. How can the narrative of David’s rise to kingship offer comfort or inspiration in times of uncertainty or obscurity?

20. How might you live differently knowing that God values your heart condition over your societal status or accomplishments?