1 Samuel 16:1-13 NIV: The Anointing of David
God Rejects Eliab and Tells Samuel to Look at the Heart
1 Samuel 16:1-3 NIV
The Lord said to Samuel, "I have rejected all of Eliab's family as king, for I have looked at his heart and he is not the one I am looking for. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (v. 7)
In this passage, God rejects Eliab, the eldest son of Jesse, as the next king of Israel. Despite Eliab's physical stature and impressive appearance, God sees that he is not the right person for the position. This episode highlights the difference between human and divine perspectives. While humans tend to judge based on external characteristics, God looks at the inner qualities of the heart.
The Anointing of David
1 Samuel 16:10-13 NIV
Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. But Samuel said, "The Lord has not chosen this one either." Jesse then presented Shimea, but Samuel said, "Nor has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said, "The Lord has not chosen any of these."
Jesse had yet to present his youngest son, David, who was tending the sheep. When Samuel asked Jesse if he had any other sons, Jesse said, "There is still the youngest, but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So they sent for him and brought him in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one." 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 Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah, but the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.
In this passage, Samuel anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the next king of Israel. Despite being the youngest and seemingly insignificant, David is chosen by God because of his heart. This event marks a new era in Israel's history, as David will go on to become a great king and a symbol of God's faithfulness.
