1 Samuel 16:1

ยถ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, How long wilt thou mourn {H56} for Saul {H7586}, seeing I have rejected {H3988} him from reigning {H4427} over Israel {H3478}? fill {H4390} thine horn {H7161} with oil {H8081}, and go {H3212}, I will send {H7971} thee to Jesse {H3448} the Bethlehemite {H1022}: for I have provided {H7200} me a king {H4428} among his sons {H1121}.

ADONAI said to Sh'mu'el, "How much longer are you going to go on grieving for Sha'ul, now that I have rejected him as king over Isra'el? Fill your horn with oil, and set out; I will send you to Yishai the Beit-Lachmi, because I have chosen myself a king from among his sons."

Now the LORD said to Samuel, โ€œHow long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.โ€

And Jehovah said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Commentary

1 Samuel 16:1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, signaling the end of King Saul's reign and the divine initiation of a new era under God's chosen king, David.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's definitive rejection of Saul as king due to his repeated disobedience, particularly his failure to fully obey God's command concerning the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:23). The prophet Samuel, who had initially anointed Saul, was deeply grieved and mourning over Saul's downfall. The Lord's direct question, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?", serves as a divine call for Samuel to move past his sorrow and participate in God's ongoing plan for Israel, which involved selecting a new leader from Jesse's family in Bethlehem.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Rejection: God's declaration, "I have rejected him from reigning over Israel," underscores His ultimate authority over human leaders and His intolerance for disobedience. This demonstrates that earthly kingship is subject to divine approval and purpose, and God's decisions are final.
  • God's Unfolding Plan: Despite Saul's failure, God's purpose for Israel did not cease. He immediately moves to "provide a king" from Jesse's sons in Bethlehem, highlighting His faithfulness and ability to work through new vessels when human leadership falters. This points to God's continuous work in history, always moving forward with His redemptive plan.
  • The Anointing of a New King: The command to "fill thine horn with oil, and go," signifies a sacred act of consecration and divine appointment. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and God's empowering presence for the task of leadership, setting apart the chosen individual for His service. This command initiates the process that would lead to the anointing of David, Israel's greatest king.
  • Transition and Hope: This verse marks a significant transition from the failed reign of Saul to the promised reign of David, who would be a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). It offers hope and a new direction for Israel, assuring them that God remains actively involved in guiding their destiny, even through difficult changes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fill thine horn with oil" is significant. The horn (Hebrew: ืงึถืจึถืŸ, qeren) was often used as a vessel for anointing oil, symbolizing strength, power, and dignity. Anointing with oil was a common practice for consecrating kings and priests in ancient Israel, signifying their divine appointment and enablement for their roles. The Lord's active role in "I will send thee" and "I have provided me a king" emphasizes His direct involvement and sovereign choice, not merely human selection or preference.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Samuel 16:1 offers several profound lessons:

  • Move Forward from Disappointment: Like Samuel, we are called not to dwell indefinitely on past failures or disappointments, whether our own or others'. God's plans continue, and He calls us to participate in His new work.
  • Trust God's Sovereign Choice: This verse reminds us that God is always at work, orchestrating events and raising up leaders according to His perfect will. We can trust His provision, even when our circumstances seem bleak or human leadership fails.
  • Obedience is Paramount: Saul's rejection serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. God values a submissive heart more than outward show or human wisdom.
  • God Sees Beyond the Surface: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16:7 reveals that God looks not at outward appearance but at the heart. This principle applies to all whom God chooses and uses for His purposes, emphasizing His unique perspective.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:1 (9 votes)

    ยถ And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:

  • 1 Samuel 15:23 (9 votes)

    For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

  • 1 Samuel 15:35 (8 votes)

    And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

  • Psalms 78:68 (8 votes)

    But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

  • Psalms 78:71 (8 votes)

    From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

  • 1 Samuel 16:15 (7 votes)

    And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

  • Romans 15:12 (7 votes)

    And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.