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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 16:6–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
If the sons of Jesse were told that God would provide himself a king among them (as he had said, Sa1 16:1), we may well suppose they all made the best appearance they could, and each hoped he should be the man; but here we are told,
I.How all the elder sons, who stood fairest for the preferment, were passed by.
1.Eliab, the eldest, was privately presented first to Samuel, probably none being present but Jesse only, and Samuel thought he must needs be the man: Surely this is the Lord's anointed, Sa1 16:6. The prophets themselves, when they spoke from under the divine direction, were as liable to mistake as other men; as Nathan, Sa2 7:3. But God rectified the prophet's mistake by a secret whisper to his mind: Look not on his countenance, Sa1 16:7. It was strange that Samuel, who had been so wretchedly disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him as much as any man's could, should be so forward to judge of a man by that rule. When God would please the people with a king he chose a comely man; but, when he would have one after his own heart, he should not be chosen by the outside. Men judge by the sight of the eyes, but God does not, Isa 11:3. The Lord looks on the heart, that is,
(1.)He knows it. We can tell how men look, but he can tell what they are. Man looks on the eyes (so the original word is), and is pleased with the liveliness and sprightliness that appear in them; but God looks on the heart, and sees the thoughts and intents of that.
(2.)He judges of men by it. The good disposition of the heart, the holiness or goodness of that, recommends us to God, and is in his sight of great price (Pe1 3:4), not the majesty of the look, or the strength and stature of the body. Let us reckon that to be true beauty which is within, and judge of men, as far as we are capable, by their minds, not their mien.
2.When Eliab was set aside, Abinadab and Shammah, and, after them, four more of the sons of Jesse, seven in all, were presented to Samuel, as likely for his purpose; but Samuel, who not attended more carefully than he did at first to the divine direction, rejected them all: The Lord has not chosen these, Sa1 16:8, Sa1 16:10. Men dispose of their honours and estates to their sons according to their seniority of age and priority of birth, but God does not. The elder shall serve the younger. Had it been left to Samuel, or Jesse, to make the choice, one of these would certainly have been chosen; but God will magnify his sovereignty in passing by some that were most promising as well as in fastening on others that were less so.
II.How David at length was pitched upon.
He was the youngest of all the sons of Jesse; his name signifies beloved, for he was a type of the beloved Son. Observe,
1.How he was in the fields, keeping the sheep (Sa1 16:11), and was left there, though there was a sacrifice and a feast at his father's house. The youngest are commonly the fondlings of the family, but, it should seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse; either they did not discern or did not duly value the excellent spirit he was of. Many a great genius lies buried in obscurity and contempt; and God often exalts those whom men despise and gives abundant honour to that part which lacked. The Son of David was he whom men despised, the stone which the builders refused, and yet he has a name above every name. David was taken from following ewes to feed Jacob (Psa 78:71), as Moses from keeping the flock of Jethro, an instance of his humility and industry, both which God delights to put honour upon. We should think a military life, but God saw a pastoral life (which gives advantage for contemplation and communion with heaven), the best preparative for kingly power, at least for those graces of the Spirit which are necessary to the due discharge of that trust which attends it. David was keeping sheep, though it was a time of sacrifice; for there is mercy that takes precedence of sacrifice.
2.How earnest Samuel was to have him sent for: "We will not sit down to meat" (perhaps it was not the feast upon the sacrifice, but a common meal) "till he come hither; for, if all the rest be rejected, this must be he." He that designed not to sit at table at all is now waited for as the principal guest. If God will exalt those of low degree, who can hinder?
3.What appearance he made when he did come. No notice is taken of his clothing. No doubt that was according to his employment, mean and coarse, as shepherds' coats commonly are, and he did not change his clothes as Joseph did (Gen 41:14), but he had a very honest look, not stately, as Saul's, but sweet and lovely: He was ruddy, of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to (Sa1 16:12), that is, he had a clear complexion, a good eye, and a lovely face; the features were extraordinary, and there was something in his looks that was very charming. Though he was so far from using any art to help his beauty that his employment exposed it to the sun and wind, yet nature kept its own, and, by the sweetness of his aspect, gave manifest indications of an amiable temper and disposition of mind. Perhaps his modest blush, when he was brought before Samuel, and received by him with surprising respect, made him look much the handsomer.
4.The anointing of him. The Lord told Samuel in his ear (as he had done, Sa1 9:15) that this was he whom he must anoint, Sa1 16:12. Samuel objects not the meanness of his education, his youth, or the little respect he had in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took his horn of oil and anointed him (Sa1 16:13), signifying thereby,
(1.)A divine designation to the government, after the death of Saul, of which hereby he gave him a full assurance. Not that he was at present invested with the royal power, but it was entailed upon him, to come to him in due time.
(2.)A divine communication of gifts and graces, to fit him for the government, and make him a type of him who was to be the Messiah, the anointed One, who received the Spirit, not by measure, but without measure. He is said to be anointed in the midst of his brethren, who yet, possibly, did not understand it as a designation to the government, and therefore did not envy David (as Joseph's brethren did him), because they saw no further marks of dignity put upon him, no, not so much as a coat of divers colours. But bishop Patrick reads it, He anointed him from the midst of his brethren, that is, he singled him out from the rest, and privately anointed him, but with a charge to keep his own counsel, and not to let his own brethren know it, as by what we find (Sa1 17:28), it should seem, Eliab did not. It is computed that David now was about twenty years old; if so, his troubles by Saul lasted ten years, for he was thirty years old when Saul died. Dr. Lightfoot reckons that he was about twenty-five, and that his troubles lasted but five years.
5.The happy effects of this anointing: The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward, Sa1 16:13. The anointing of him was not an empty ceremony, but a divine power went along with that instituted sign, and he found himself inwardly advanced in wisdom, and courage, and concern for the public, with all the qualifications of a prince, though not at all advanced in his outward circumstances. This would abundantly satisfy him that his election was of God. The best evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of glory is our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and our experience of a work of grace in our own hearts. Some think that his courage, by which he slew the lion and the bear, and his extraordinary skill in music, were the effects and evidences of the Spirit's coming upon him. However, this made him the sweet psalmist of Israel, Sa2 23:1. Samuel, having done this, went to Ramah in safety, and we never read of him again but once (Sa1 19:18), till we read of his death; now he retired to die in peace, since his eyes had seen the salvation, even the sceptre brought into the tribe of Judah.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
So clearly holy David was filled with heavenly inspiration, and not through human actions, the birth of twins, angels, visions, a dream, a cloud and a voice from heaven, or any other way of that kind. As the first book of Kings [Samuel] says of him: “And the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” The Lord himself too says in the Gospel: “If David in the spirit calls him Lord, how do you say he is his son?” By these words we realize that the psalms were clearly expressions of prophecy through the holy Spirit.
Samuel arose and went to Ramah. Having completed the duty of anointing, Samuel returned home; for now, with the coming of the Lord who was foretold to come, the proclamations of the prophets were silenced. For the Law and the prophets prophesied until John (Matthew 11), from then on the kingdom of God is preached. But John himself, by the duty of his forerunning, said: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3).
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him, etc. The prophet received the task of proclaiming the glory of the true king, and said: "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God has anointed you" (Psalm 44). He who was conceived of the Holy Spirit never ceased to have the fullness of that same Spirit from the hour of his conception. John received the duty of bearing witness to Christ; and when the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the midst of those he baptized, he saw and bore witness that this is the Son of God; and Jesus went forth in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.
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Summary
1 Samuel 16:13 records the seminal moment of David's anointing by Samuel, marking God's sovereign selection of a new king for Israel after the rejection of Saul. This pivotal act, performed in the presence of David's brothers, was immediately followed by the empowering descent of the Spirit of the LORD upon David, signifying divine approval and equipping him for his future, momentous role as king. The verse encapsulates God's unexpected choice of a humble shepherd and the spiritual endowment necessary for leadership according to divine criteria, setting the trajectory for Israel's most celebrated monarch.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the narrative climax of God's search for a new king, initiated by the LORD's rejection of Saul due to his disobedience, specifically detailed in 1 Samuel 15. Samuel, having mourned Saul's failure, is commanded by God to go to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 16:6-12) meticulously build suspense as Samuel inspects Jesse's older, more outwardly impressive sons, only for God to repeatedly dismiss them. The LORD famously declares, "For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). David, the youngest and a shepherd, is finally brought in, and his anointing in 1 Samuel 16:13 confirms God's unique and unexpected choice, setting the stage for the dramatic shift in Israel's leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context
Anointing with oil was a deeply significant ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing consecration, setting apart for a sacred office, and the impartation of divine authority. Kings (like Saul in 1 Samuel 10:1) and priests were anointed, marking them as God's chosen representatives. The "horn of oil" was a traditional vessel for such anointing, often signifying a more abundant and enduring supply compared to a small flask. Bethlehem, though a small and seemingly insignificant town, held prophetic significance as the birthplace of future kings, later becoming renowned as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The political climate was one of transition, with the Philistine threat looming, necessitating strong, divinely appointed leadership. This private anointing of David among his family members was a prophetic act, not an immediate public coronation, reflecting God's sovereign timing and preparatory process for His chosen leader.
Key Themes
1 Samuel 16:13 powerfully encapsulates several core themes. Firstly, Divine Selection and Sovereignty is paramount, illustrating that God's choice for leadership is based on internal character and His own inscrutable wisdom, not human perception or outward appearance, as emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7. Secondly, the Anointing for Kingship signifies both David's consecration and the divine authority bestowed upon him, marking him as God's chosen vessel for the throne of Israel. Thirdly, the Empowerment by the Spirit of the LORD is crucial; the immediate and continuous coming of the Spirit upon David signifies divine enablement, equipping him with the necessary wisdom, courage, and spiritual discernment for his future challenges and responsibilities, distinguishing his leadership from mere human capability. Finally, this verse marks the Transition of Leadership, a divine transfer of favor and authority from the rejected King Saul to the divinely chosen David, initiating a complex period of preparation for David before his eventual public enthronement.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask." The use of a "horn" rather than a small flask (as used for Saul in 1 Samuel 10:1) is significant. A horn, being a larger and more durable vessel, implies an abundant, lasting, and permanent anointing. It suggests a full measure of divine consecration and an enduring endowment of divine favor and authority for David's lifelong calling.
A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint." This verb is the root from which the Hebrew word mashiah (Messiah) and the Greek christos (Christ) derive, both meaning "Anointed One." The act of anointing set David apart as God's chosen king, imparting sacred status and divine authority, making him God's consecrated representative.
(rûwach meaning "wind... spirit") and H3068 (Yᵉhôvâh meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God"). This refers to the active, empowering presence of God. Its coming "upon David from that day forward" indicates a continuous, abiding, and enabling presence, distinct from the temporary, task-specific empowerments seen in the lives of some judges (e.g., Samson in Judges 14:6). This spiritual endowment was essential for David's wisdom, courage, and discernment in his future role as king.
Verse Breakdown
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren:"
This clause describes the physical act of anointing. Samuel, acting as God's prophet, performs the ritual. The anointing occurs "in the midst of his brethren," making it a private yet witnessed event within the family circle, confirming God's choice to those closest to David and setting him apart from his siblings. This public family setting underscores the divine validation of David's selection.
"and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward."
This is the most profound consequence of the anointing. The immediate and lasting descent of the Spirit signifies divine approval, empowerment, and equipping. This continuous indwelling of the Spirit would guide, strengthen, and enable David for all the challenges and responsibilities of his future kingship, distinguishing his reign as one under divine favor and supernatural enablement.
"So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."
This concluding phrase indicates the completion of Samuel's prophetic mission in Bethlehem. His task of anointing God's chosen king is fulfilled, and he returns to his home, leaving David to embark on his divinely appointed, albeit gradual, journey to the throne. This departure marks the end of one phase and the beginning of David's long period of preparation.
Literary Devices
1 Samuel 16:13 is rich with Symbolism. The "horn of oil" symbolizes abundance, permanence, and divine consecration, setting David's anointing apart as a lasting endowment of God's favor. The "Spirit of the LORD" symbolizes divine presence, empowerment, and the source of true wisdom and strength for leadership, indicating God's active indwelling and enablement. The narrative employs Contrast by juxtaposing David's humble appearance and occupation as a shepherd with God's sovereign and unexpected choice, highlighting the divine perspective that values the heart over outward show (1 Samuel 16:7). The entire scene serves as powerful Foreshadowing, not only of David's future kingship but also, on a deeper theological level, of the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah, who would also come from Bethlehem and be empowered by the Spirit. The text also demonstrates Divine Intervention, with God directly orchestrating the selection and empowering of His chosen leader, emphasizing His active involvement in human affairs and the establishment of His kingdom.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16:13 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in selecting and equipping leaders, often defying human expectations. It underscores the principle that true authority and effectiveness in God's service do not stem from human prowess or outward appearance, but from divine calling and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. This event marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, establishing the Davidic line through which the Messiah would eventually come. It reveals God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous preparation of individuals for His purposes, even through periods of obscurity and waiting. The continuous presence of the Spirit on David also highlights a significant shift in the nature of divine empowerment, moving towards a more abiding indwelling that foreshadows the New Covenant experience.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of David's anointing offers timeless lessons for believers. It powerfully reminds us that God's criteria for usefulness and leadership are fundamentally different from our own. He looks beyond outward appearances, social status, or perceived qualifications, instead valuing a humble, faithful, and willing heart. This should liberate us from the pressure to conform to worldly standards of success and encourage us to cultivate inner character that pleases God. Furthermore, David's experience teaches us that divine calling always comes with divine equipping. When God calls us to a task, He provides the necessary spiritual resources and empowerment through His Spirit. Just as David did not immediately ascend the throne but endured years of preparation, hardship, and service, we too are called to patience and faithfulness in the waiting periods, trusting God's perfect timing and allowing Him to refine us for the purposes He has ordained. Our identity and purpose are found not in what we do, but in who God has called us to be and the Spirit He has given to empower us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was a "horn of oil" used instead of a flask for David's anointing?
The use of a "horn of oil" (Hebrew: qeren shemen) instead of a small flask (as used for Saul in 1 Samuel 10:1) is highly symbolic. A horn, being a larger and more durable vessel, implies an abundant, permanent, and enduring anointing. It suggests a full and continuous measure of divine consecration and an abiding endowment of divine favor and authority for David's lifelong calling as king, distinguishing it from the potentially more temporary or conditional nature of Saul's anointing.
Did David become king immediately after this anointing?
No, David did not immediately assume the throne after this anointing. This was a private, prophetic anointing within his family, signifying God's sovereign choice and setting him apart for future kingship. David's public reign came much later, after a significant period of preparation, service to King Saul, exile, and the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He was first anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4), and then later over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). This period of waiting and preparation was crucial for shaping David's character and leadership, demonstrating God's process of refining His chosen servants.
What is the significance of the Spirit of the LORD coming "from that day forward" upon David?
The phrase "from that day forward" emphasizes the continuous and abiding nature of the Spirit's presence with David, which was a significant development in the Old Testament. Unlike some instances where the Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks or temporary empowerments (e.g., Samson in Judges 14:6), the Spirit's presence with David was a lasting endowment. This continuous spiritual empowerment equipped David with wisdom, courage, discernment, and prophetic insight, enabling him to fulfill his lifelong role as God's chosen king and shepherd of Israel. It foreshadows the more permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit promised under the New Covenant for all believers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16:13 serves as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah. Just as David was chosen by God from humble beginnings in Bethlehem, so too was Jesus born in Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town, yet destined for eternal kingship. David's anointing by Samuel with oil and the subsequent coming of the Spirit of the LORD upon him finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus. At His baptism, Jesus was publicly anointed, not with oil, but directly by the Holy Spirit descending upon Him like a dove (Matthew 3:16), signifying His divine appointment and empowerment for His redemptive mission. Like David, who was empowered to shepherd God's people, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). While David's reign was earthly and temporary, Jesus' anointing establishes Him as the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and will have no end (Luke 1:33). Thus, David's anointing is a beautiful type, pointing to the perfect, Spirit-filled, and everlasting reign of Christ, the true King of Israel and the world.