1 Samuel 16

1 Samuel 16 marks a significant turning point in Israel’s history. After rejecting Saul as king, God sends the prophet Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the new king of Israel. This chapter introduces David as a man after God’s own heart and sets the stage for the rise of David, the shepherd-king who will replace Saul. The chapter also highlights God's choice of leaders based on inward qualities, not outward appearances.

1 Samuel 16:1 (NKJV)
1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

God speaks to Samuel, encouraging him to stop mourning over Saul’s failure as king and to take action. He is sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem. This moment marks the shift from human sorrow over failure to God's plan for a better future. God’s sovereignty is displayed as He has already chosen the next leader.

1 Samuel 16:2 (NKJV)
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” But the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’”

Samuel expresses concern for his safety, knowing that Saul, though rejected by God, remains a powerful and dangerous king. The Lord provides Samuel with a plan, instructing him to take a heifer and offer a sacrifice, which would conceal his true mission. This shows God's wisdom in protecting His servant while carrying out His divine purpose.

1 Samuel 16:3 (NKJV)
3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”

God directs Samuel step by step, asking him to invite Jesse to the sacrifice and promising to reveal which of Jesse’s sons is to be anointed. This emphasizes that Samuel's task is entirely dependent on divine guidance, reflecting the necessity of relying on God’s leading rather than human reasoning.

1 Samuel 16:4-5 (NKJV)
4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice.

Samuel obediently follows God’s command and travels to Bethlehem. The elders, fearing that Samuel might be bringing bad news or judgment, are anxious at his arrival. However, Samuel assures them of his peaceful intent and invites them to join the sacrifice. This shows the people’s reverence for the prophet and highlights the solemnity of Samuel’s mission.

1 Samuel 16:6 (NKJV)
6 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”

When Samuel sees Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, he assumes that this must be the Lord’s chosen one based on his appearance and stature. This reflects a natural human tendency to judge based on outward characteristics, even though God’s criteria are different.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God corrects Samuel, teaching him an important lesson: His choice of leaders is based on their inner character, not external qualities. While humans tend to prioritize looks or physical strength, God values the heart. This verse introduces a key biblical principle about God's judgment and criteria for choosing individuals for His work.

1 Samuel 16:8-10 (NKJV)
8 So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”

Jesse presents his sons to Samuel one by one, but none of them are chosen by the Lord. Even though these sons may have appeared strong or capable, God had not selected any of them. This process reveals that God's choice is often unexpected and not based on human assumptions or standards.

1 Samuel 16:11 (NKJV)
11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”

After all of Jesse’s older sons are passed over, Samuel asks if there are any more. Jesse mentions his youngest son, David, who is tending the sheep, a humble and lowly task. This reflects David’s unassuming position in the family and society. Samuel insists that David be brought immediately, underscoring the importance of God’s choice.

1 Samuel 16:12 (NKJV)
12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

David, though young and overlooked, is described as having a pleasing appearance, but it is not his looks that matter to God. As soon as David arrives, God confirms to Samuel that he is the chosen one. This illustrates how God selects people based on their heart and character rather than age or status.

1 Samuel 16:13 (NKJV)
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

Samuel anoints David in front of his brothers, and from that moment, the Spirit of the Lord empowers David. This divine anointing symbolizes God's favor and the future kingship of David, although it would take years for him to ascend to the throne. The anointing marks the beginning of David’s preparation for his future role.

1 Samuel 16:14 (NKJV)
14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.

As David receives the Spirit of the Lord, Saul loses it, signaling a dramatic shift in leadership. Without God’s presence, Saul becomes vulnerable to a distressing spirit, which leads to his emotional and spiritual downfall. This contrast between Saul and David highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of God's favor.

1 Samuel 16:15-16 (NKJV)
15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you.
16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”

Saul's servants notice his troubled state and suggest a solution: finding someone skilled in music to soothe him. They believe that music will bring relief when the distressing spirit comes upon him. This introduces the idea of music as a form of healing and sets the stage for David’s entrance into Saul’s life.

1 Samuel 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”
18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.”

Saul agrees to the suggestion, and one of his servants recommends David, describing him as not only a talented musician but also brave, wise, and favored by God. David’s reputation precedes him, and this description portrays him as a man destined for greatness, even though he is still young and serving as a shepherd.

1 Samuel 16:19-20 (NKJV)
19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”
20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul.

Saul sends for David, who is still tending the sheep, showing his humble beginnings. Jesse sends David with gifts for Saul, which is a customary way of showing respect to a king. David’s journey from shepherd to serving in the royal court begins here, though he is not yet aware of his future destiny as king.

1 Samuel 16:21-23 (NKJV)
21 So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.
22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”
23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

David’s skill as a musician not only soothes Saul but also wins the king’s favor, leading to David becoming Saul’s armor-bearer, a position of trust. Ironically, though Saul does not yet know that David is God’s chosen successor, he grows to depend on David for peace and relief from his spiritual torment. This relationship will play a critical role in the unfolding drama of Saul's reign and David’s rise to power.