Samuel Anoints David

1 Samuel 16:1-13

God sent Samuel to find a king. He was out in the field with the sheep.

God has rejected Saul as king and sends Samuel to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse. One of Jesse's sons will be the next king — but which one? Jesse parades his sons before Samuel. The eldest, Eliab, is tall and impressive. Surely this is the one. But God says no: I don't look at outward appearance. I look at the heart. Seven sons pass. Seven rejections. Samuel asks: Are there any more? Well, there's the youngest — out tending sheep. Nobody thought to invite him. David arrives, ruddy and bright-eyed. God says: This is the one. Samuel pours oil on the head of a shepherd boy, and the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon David from that day forward.

• God's Choice
• Unlikely Hero
• Anointing
• Inner Character