1 Samuel 16:20

And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David.

Study Bible

And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread
Jesse, the father of David, demonstrates hospitality and respect by sending provisions. Bread, a staple food in ancient Israel, symbolizes sustenance and life. This act reflects the cultural importance of offering gifts to those in authority, as seen in Genesis 43:11 when Jacob sends gifts to Joseph. The donkey, a common beast of burden, indicates the practical means of transporting goods.

a skin of wine
Wine was a valued commodity in ancient Israel, often used in celebrations and religious rituals. The inclusion of wine signifies honor and goodwill. In biblical symbolism, wine can represent joy and blessing, as seen in Psalm 104:15. The use of a skin, a traditional container, highlights the practical aspects of daily life in the ancient Near East.

and one young goat
The young goat, a valuable offering, signifies wealth and generosity. Goats were commonly used in sacrifices and feasts, as seen in Leviticus 4:23-24. This gift underscores the importance of sacrificial offerings in maintaining relationships and showing respect, paralleling the sacrificial system that points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.

and sent them to Saul
Jesse's act of sending gifts to Saul, the king, reflects the cultural practice of showing allegiance and respect to rulers. This gesture is reminiscent of the tribute sent by Jacob to Esau in Genesis 32:13-15. It also foreshadows David's future relationship with Saul, marked by both service and conflict.

with his son David
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is introduced as a servant to Saul, setting the stage for his rise to prominence. This moment marks the beginning of David's journey from shepherd to king, a type of Christ who is both the Good Shepherd and the King of Kings. David's role as a servant to Saul prefigures Christ's humility and service, as described in Philippians 2:7.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesse
The father of David, a Bethlehemite, who is obedient to the request of King Saul and sends his son David with gifts.

2. David
The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel, and sent to serve Saul.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is troubled by an evil spirit and seeks relief through music.

4. Bethlehem
The hometown of Jesse and David, significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ.

5. The Gifts
A donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, symbolizing hospitality and respect towards the king.

Teaching Points

Obedience and Respect
Jesse's actions demonstrate obedience to authority and respect for the king, a principle that can be applied in our relationships with those in leadership.

God's Providence
David's journey to Saul's court is orchestrated by God, showing how divine providence works through ordinary events and actions.

Preparation for Service
David's service to Saul prepares him for future leadership, illustrating how God uses current circumstances to equip us for His purposes.

The Role of Gifts
The gifts sent by Jesse symbolize goodwill and can be seen as a means to build relationships and open opportunities.

Humility in Service
David's willingness to serve Saul, despite being anointed as the future king, teaches us about humility and faithfulness in our current roles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesse's obedience to Saul's request reflect the biblical principle of honoring authority, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. In what ways does David's introduction to Saul's court demonstrate God's providence, and how can we recognize God's hand in our everyday circumstances?

3. How do the gifts sent by Jesse serve as a means of building relationships, and what practical steps can we take to foster goodwill in our interactions with others?

4. What can we learn from David's humility and willingness to serve Saul, and how can this attitude be applied in our own service to others?

5. How does the cultural practice of sending gifts to those in authority, as seen in both Jesse's and Jacob's actions, relate to the biblical teaching on generosity and hospitality?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:13
This verse describes the anointing of David by Samuel, which sets the stage for David's introduction to Saul's court.

1 Samuel 17:15
Highlights David's dual role as a shepherd and a servant in Saul's court, showing his humility and obedience.

Genesis 43:11
Jacob sends gifts to Joseph in Egypt, similar to Jesse sending gifts to Saul, demonstrating a cultural practice of offering gifts to those in authority.

Proverbs 18:16
This proverb speaks to the power of a gift to open doors and bring a person before great men, as seen in David's introduction to Saul.