Samuel Anoints David
The Lord redirects Samuel from grief to obedience and sends him to Bethlehem with a sacrificial cover for the journey. Samuel goes carefully, and the town receives him with fear until he announces peace.
N1ow 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.” 2“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” 3The 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.” 4So 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?” 5“In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”
As Jesse's sons pass before Samuel, the expected choice gives way to the Lord's different judgment. Eliab's appearance is rejected, and each of the sons presented is passed over.
6Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” 7But 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.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”
The youngest son, still out with the sheep, is brought in at last, and the Lord names him as the chosen one. Samuel anoints David before his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon him from that day.
11And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” 12So 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.” 13So 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.