SAMUEL ANOINTS DAVID
Today we come to the day when Samuel anoints David. We haven’t spoken of David yet, but you are going to love him. God did. Scriptures often note that “David was a man after God’s own heart.” Could anyone have a better title?
An interesting thing to note about Samuel is the fact that Samuel mourned for the way that Saul’s life had turned out. He truly cared for Saul’s soul, though being an advisor to Saul had been hard. It had also been hard for Samuel to accept Saul in the beginning. Samuel didn’t think Israel needed a King.
Once King, Saul had angered Samuel so many times. Yet, Samuel loved Saul and did not wish to see his soul wasted. So, Samuel had been in mourning for a while.
One day the Lord 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.”
THE NEW PLAN
I wonder what went through Samuel’s mind as he pondered this idea of a new King. Of course, Samuel would be obedient. He never had a problem with obedience.
Samuel was concerned when he realized God wanted a new King in Israel though. This was because he knew if Saul heard about Samuel anointing another, he would try to kill him. I’m sure Samuel did a little praying and fasting at this point.
So, God told Samuel what to do:
(1 Samuel 16:2-3) The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”
THE PLACE WHERE SAMUEL ANOINTS DAVID
As God had instructed, Samuel went to visit Bethlehem. I can’t read that fact without remembering a very important scripture. That scripture originated from the Prophet Isaiah. The passage is in Isaiah, Chapter 11.
Isaiah 11: 1 – A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit, but with righteousness he will judge the needy; with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips, he will slay the wicked.
The whole chapter of Isaiah 11 is well worth reading. Keep it tucked inside your brain as we get to know David better. Think about it in relation God’s new plan for Israel. The above scripture actually was a prophecy of Jesus. Before the time of Jesus though, we hear of a King named David. Long before David become King, he was a shepherd of Israel.
As usual, Samuel obeyed The Lord. The elders in Bethlehem saw Samuel coming and trembled. Their first question was “Do you come in peace?”
These elders had heard about what Samuel had done to Agag. It must have been a terrifying thing to hear. Let’s just say that no one in Bethlehem ever wanted to offend Samuel.
Samuel assured them he came peace. Then he invited them to consecrate themselves and come with him to sacrifice to the Lord. Not one dared to ask any further questions. They prepared themselves to go with Samuel.
THE GATHERING FOR SAMUEL TO ANOINT DAVID
Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons. Then, he invited them to the sacrifice.
When Samuel saw Eliab (a son of Jesse) he thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”
But Samuel was wrong. Eliab was tall and good looking. The Lord told Samuel not to look at his appearance or his height. God does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
The IN SEASON Lifestyle blog has made it a habit to write about people following Yeshua. These are people who are living from the “inside out.” Our goal is to live life in the community and from the heart. This is how Jesus lived. Before Jesus walked the earth, this was also a way of life for David.
SAMUEL LOOKS FOR A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART
Samuel passed by Eliab, then Abinadab, then Shammah, then seven other sons, who were also rejected by Samuel.
God did not approve any of them.
Samuel turned to Jesse and asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”
Jesse told him there was only one more son. He was the youngest. The one named David was out tending to the sheep. So, Samuel sent for him.
GOD TELLS SAMUEL TO ANOINT DAVID
When the youngest son of Jesse arrived, he was glowing with health. He had a fine appearance and handsome features.
The Lord spoke to Samuel again: “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
So, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.
After he anointed David, Samuel went back to Ramah.