Study is based on Charles R. Swindoll’s “David – A Man After God’s Own Heart”

Samuel Anoints David 16 The L ORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The L ORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the L ORD.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” 4 Samuel did what the L ORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” 5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the L ORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the L ORD ’s anointed stands here before the L ORD.” 7 But the L ORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The L ORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the L ORD looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The L ORD has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the L ORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The L ORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the L ORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the L ORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Saul’s Failure: Upon hearing of Samuel’s confrontation with Saul, the nation of Israel panicked since it would no longer have a king to “protect” them. Even though they were worse off because of Saul’s reign, the people felt they would be lost without a king. They forgot that God was their ultimate protection, their shield, their fortress – not Saul. Samuel’s Fear: As prophet, Samuel too shows his humaneness when he expresses his fear of Saul killing him after being asked, by God, to anoint David as the new king. While we panic, God is already taking care of matters behind the scenes. “We may not know what tomorrow holds……. but we know who holds tomorrow!” Man Panics, God Provides

Man Looks, God Sees When Saul became king, the people approved of his outward appearance without considering his inward abilities. When Samuel set his eyes upon Jesse’s sons, he looked at the physical, outward appearances and was quick to choose for God. Each of Jesse’s older sons “looked” like king material, but God’s choices are based on the rock-solid qualities of the heart. In God’s eyes, external appearances don’t carry much weight.

Man Forgets, God Remembers Jesse’s “oh-yeah-I-almost-forgot” reply to Samuel’s inquiry of additional children shows that David had been overlooked, forgotten, thought to be less worthy. Jesse’s attitude toward David displays two mistakes parents often make: 1. He didn’t appreciate each of the children equally 2. He failed to “cultivate” mutual respect among the brothers As parents, the greatest gift we can give to our children, besides introduction to the Savior, is that of self-worth. Each in their own manner and uniqueness.

David - The Lord’s Choice Regardless of Jesse or the brothers’ opinion of David, Samuel insists on having the shepherd boy called. At the time of anointing, David was not only anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit as well. It was evident in that David remained humble and returned to being a shepherd. He did not brag or exalt himself above his brothers. “The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalm 37:11 Meek = humble, submissive, gentle, docile, modest, compliant, etc. Meek ≠ dumb, ignorant, lazy, careless, poor, etc.

God Speaks, We Apply Since God looks beyond the outward appearance, He rejects self- pleasers and people-pleasers. God’s is: 1. Strange and Simple - God’s ways are not ours, so we must be ready to accept being used by Him however He chooses, not what we choose for Him 2. Sudden and Surprising – be ready for when He promotes you from a shepherd’s role to a kingly one 3. Sovereign and Sure – In His omniscience, nothing is more stable, more true than the decisions influenced by God

Conclusion: God notices “nobodies” and makes them into “somebodies”