1 Samuel 16:6-13
The Anointing of David
Verse 6-7: The Rejection of Eliab
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "This must be the Lord's anointed." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:6-7, NIV)
Verse 8-11: The Rejection of Abinadab and Shimea
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The Lord has not chosen this one either." Jesse then had Shimea pass in front of Samuel, but Samuel said, "Nor has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse had seven of his sons pass in front of Samuel, but Samuel said, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." (1 Samuel 16:8-11, NIV)
Verse 12-13: The Anointing of David
Jesse had not yet presented his youngest son, David, who was tending the sheep. "Bring him, for we will not sit down until he arrives," Samuel said. So they sent for him and brought him in. He was ruddy 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. (1 Samuel 16:12-13, NIV)
In this passage, God teaches Samuel and us that true greatness is not about outward appearance, but about the heart. The Lord saw something in David that no one else did, and He chose him to be the next king of Israel. This episode reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and that He often chooses the unexpected to accomplish His purposes.
