1 Samuel 16:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How 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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:1 marks a pivotal divine intervention, shifting the trajectory of Israelite kingship from Saul, whom the LORD had definitively rejected due to his disobedience, to a new, divinely chosen leader. This verse captures God's direct command to Samuel, urging him to cease his prolonged mourning for Saul and instead prepare for the sacred task of anointing a new king from the lineage of Jesse in Bethlehem, thereby initiating the process that would culminate in David's ascendancy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and definitive rejection of King Saul by God, as detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Saul's repeated disobedience, particularly his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites as commanded by the LORD, culminated in God's declaration through Samuel that the kingdom would be torn from him ([1 Samuel 15:23-28](/1_samuel/15-23-28 "1 Samuel 15:23-28 - God Rejects Saul")). Samuel, who had initially anointed Saul and held a deep personal and prophetic investment in him, was deeply grieved by this outcome, so much so that he "mourned for Saul" ([1 Samuel 15:35](/1_samuel/15-35 "1 Samuel 15:35 - Samuel Mourns for Saul")). The opening question of 1 Samuel 16:1, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?", serves as a divine imperative for Samuel to move beyond his sorrow and engage in God's next sovereign act, which is the provision of a new king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, understood kingship as a divinely sanctioned institution. Anointing with oil was a common practice for consecrating kings, priests, and prophets, signifying their divine appointment, separation for sacred service, and the bestowal of divine empowerment (the Spirit of the LORD often accompanied such anointing, as seen later with David in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed")). The "horn" was a significant vessel for oil, often associated with strength and dignity, distinguishing it from a mere flask. Bethlehem, though a small and seemingly insignificant town, held historical significance as the birthplace of Judah's ancestor, Boaz, and later, David. Its humble status underscores God's tendency to choose the unlikely and overlooked for His grand purposes, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Rejection** is paramount, as God unequivocally states, "I have rejected him from reigning over Israel," demonstrating His absolute authority over human leaders and His intolerance for persistent disobedience. This highlights that earthly kingship is always subject to divine approval and purpose. Secondly, **God's Unfolding Plan** is evident; despite Saul's failure, God's redemptive purpose for Israel does not falter. He immediately moves to "provide a king" from Jesse's sons, showcasing His faithfulness and ability to work through new vessels when human leadership proves inadequate. This illustrates God's continuous work in history, always advancing His covenant promises. Thirdly, the theme of **Transition and Hope** is introduced, marking the shift from Saul's failed reign to the promised reign of a new king, who would ultimately be David, a "man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")). This offers a renewed sense of direction and assurance that God remains actively involved in guiding His people's destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mourn (Hebrew, אָבַל, _'aval'_):** This verb denotes deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation, often associated with mourning for the dead or for a great loss. Samuel's mourning for Saul was not merely regret but a profound emotional and spiritual distress over the king's rejection and the implications for Israel. It signifies a personal attachment and a shared burden with God's disappointment.
* **Rejected (Hebrew, מָאַס, _ma'as'_):** This strong verb means to despise, reject, abhor, or cast off. It signifies a definitive and irreversible act of repudiation. God's rejection of Saul was not a temporary withdrawal of favor but a complete and final removal from his position as king over Israel, underscoring the severity of his disobedience and God's unwavering commitment to His own righteousness and standards.
* **Horn (Hebrew, קֶרֶן, _qeren'_):** While literally meaning "horn," in this context, it refers to a vessel made from an animal horn, used to hold and pour oil. The horn itself was a symbol of strength, power, and dignity in ancient cultures. Using a horn for anointing oil, rather than a simple flask, conveyed the significance and permanence of the consecration, suggesting a robust and enduring appointment, unlike the more fragile flask often associated with temporary or less significant anointing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?":** This opening establishes a direct divine communication to Samuel, interrupting his prolonged grief. The rhetorical question is not for information but to prompt Samuel to move beyond his sorrow and align with God's decisive action. The reason for the cessation of mourning is clearly stated: God's irrevocable rejection of Saul as king, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human leadership.
* **"fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite:":** This is a direct divine command, initiating the next phase of God's plan. The instruction to "fill thine horn with oil" signifies preparation for a sacred act of anointing, while "go" is an immediate call to action. The declaration "I will send thee" underscores God's active agency and sovereign direction in this mission. The specific destination, "Jesse the Bethlehemite," points to God's precise knowledge and pre-selection of the family from which the new king would come, highlighting the divine initiative over human choice.
* **"for I have provided me a king among his sons.":** This concluding clause reveals the ultimate purpose of Samuel's mission. God explicitly states that He has already "provided" (chosen and prepared) a king for Himself from among Jesse's sons. This emphasizes God's proactive, sovereign choice and His faithfulness to His covenant purposes for Israel, even in the face of human failure. The king is "for me," indicating that this new monarch will serve God's purposes and rule under His authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. A prominent one is the **Rhetorical Question** ("How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?"). This is not a query seeking information, but a divine prompt designed to shift Samuel's focus from past disappointment to future obedience and God's ongoing plan. It serves to chide Samuel gently while simultaneously revealing God's firm resolve. Secondly, **Divine Command** is evident in "fill thine horn with oil, and go." This direct, authoritative imperative from the LORD underscores His sovereignty and Samuel's role as a divine agent. Finally, **Symbolism** is powerfully present in "fill thine horn with oil." The horn itself symbolizes strength and dignity, while the oil represents consecration, divine appointment, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, foreshadowing the anointing of David as God's chosen king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:1 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, particularly in the realm of leadership. It demonstrates that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure; rather, He works through and beyond such failures to accomplish His purposes. Saul's rejection serves as a stark reminder that obedience is paramount in God's eyes, more so than outward appearance or human wisdom. God's immediate provision of a new king underscores His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His active involvement in guiding their destiny. This verse sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, which would become central to Israel's theological identity and the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 78:70-71](/psalm/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-71 - God Chose David")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:1 offers profound lessons for believers today. Like Samuel, we can sometimes become fixated on past disappointments, failures, or losses, whether our own or those of others. God's question, "How long wilt thou mourn?", is a tender yet firm invitation to release what God has released and to move forward in faith. It reminds us that God's purposes are always advancing, and He calls us to participate in His new work, even when it requires letting go of familiar or painful pasts. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign provision, knowing that He is always at work, orchestrating events and raising up leaders according to His perfect will, even when circumstances seem bleak or human leadership falters. Our role is to remain obedient, responsive, and ready to be used by Him for His next divine assignment, recognizing that His perspective and choices often transcend our limited understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sauls" might I be mourning over in my own life or in the world, preventing me from embracing God's new work?**
* **How does God's sovereign choice of a new king, despite Saul's failure, encourage my trust in His unfailing plan?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to "fill my horn with oil and go," stepping into a new assignment or direction?**

### FAQ
**Why was Samuel mourning for Saul, and why did God tell him to stop?**

Answer: Samuel was deeply mourning for Saul because he had personally anointed Saul as Israel's first king, had invested significantly in his reign, and likely felt the weight of Saul's tragic failure and God's definitive rejection. His grief was a natural human response to a profound disappointment and the perceived loss of a divinely appointed leader. God told Samuel to stop mourning because Saul's rejection was final, and God's divine plan was moving forward. Prolonged grief, while understandable, could hinder Samuel from participating in God's next, crucial step: the anointing of a new king. God's command was a call to align Samuel's heart with God's sovereign will and to focus on the future provision rather than the past failure.

**What is the significance of "filling the horn with oil" for anointing?**

Answer: The "horn" (Hebrew: _qeren_) was a vessel made from an animal horn, used to hold and pour oil. Its significance lies in its symbolism of strength, power, and dignity, as horns were associated with animal might. Unlike a fragile flask, a horn suggested a more robust and enduring anointing. The "oil" itself was a sacred substance used for consecration. In ancient Israel, anointing with oil signified divine appointment, setting someone apart for a sacred office (king, priest, or prophet), and often symbolized the impartation of the Holy Spirit and divine empowerment for the task. Thus, "filling the horn with oil" was a symbolic act preparing for a weighty, divinely ordained consecration of a new, powerful leader.

**Why did God choose Jesse of Bethlehem to provide the next king?**

Answer: God's choice of Jesse from Bethlehem demonstrates His sovereign and often surprising ways. Bethlehem was a small, seemingly insignificant town, not a major political or religious center. This choice underscores God's tendency to work through the humble and overlooked, rather than the outwardly impressive or powerful, a theme consistently seen in biblical narratives (e.g., Gideon, David himself, and ultimately Jesus). Furthermore, Bethlehem was the ancestral home of Judah and later became known as the "City of David" ([Luke 2:4](/luke/2-4 "Luke 2:4 - Joseph Goes to Bethlehem")). God's selection was part of His overarching redemptive plan, establishing the Davidic lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, fulfilling ancient prophecies about a ruler from Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem Ephrathah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:1, while immediately focused on the transition from Saul to David, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. God's rejection of Saul, a king after human preference, and His sovereign provision of a "king among his sons" from Jesse, foreshadows God's ultimate rejection of human systems and flawed earthly kingship in favor of His perfect, divine King. David, chosen from humble Bethlehem and anointed with oil, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Jesus, too, came from Bethlehem ([Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Jesus Born in Bethlehem")), was a descendant of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), and was supremely "anointed" not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit without measure ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"); [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus")). Just as God "provided" a king for Himself in David, He ultimately "provided" the Lamb of God, the Messiah, to be King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The transition from Saul's failed reign to David's righteous rule points to the greater transition from the old covenant and its limitations to the new covenant established by Christ, whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign is perfect and just ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"); [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 9:1

¶ 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

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

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

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

Psalms 78:71

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

1 Samuel 16:15

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

Romans 15:12

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.