1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Then Samuel {H8050} took {H3947} the horn {H7161} of oil {H8081}, and anointed {H4886} him in the midst {H7130} of his brethren {H251}: and the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} came {H6743} upon David {H1732} from that day {H3117} forward {H4605}. So Samuel {H8050} rose up {H6965}, and went {H3212} to Ramah {H7414}.

Sh'mu'el took the horn of oil and anointed him there in his brothers' presence. From that day on, the Spirit of ADONAI would fall upon David with power. So Sh'mu'el set out and went to Ramah.

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Commentary

1 Samuel 16:13 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, detailing the anointing of David as the future king of Israel. This verse transitions the narrative from the rejected King Saul to God's chosen successor, highlighting divine sovereignty and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Context

Prior to this verse, God had rejected King Saul due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). The prophet Samuel was then sent by the LORD to Jesse's house in Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among his sons. Samuel initially considered Jesse's older, more imposing sons, but God famously declared, "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). It was only after all seven older brothers had passed before Samuel that David, the youngest and seemingly least likely, a shepherd boy, was brought in.

Key Themes

  • Divine Selection and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign choice, which often confounds human expectations. David, a humble shepherd, was chosen over his more impressive brothers, demonstrating that God's criteria for leadership are fundamentally different from man's.
  • Anointing for Kingship: The act of anointing with the "horn of oil" was a traditional ritual signifying consecration and the impartation of divine authority for kings and priests. It publicly (though within the family) designated David as God's chosen leader.
  • Empowerment by the Spirit of the LORD: The immediate and lasting consequence of the anointing was the coming of the "Spirit of the LORD upon David from that day forward." This signifies divine empowerment, equipping David with wisdom, courage, and spiritual discernment necessary for his future role. This spiritual endowment is crucial for understanding David's subsequent actions and success.
  • Transition of Leadership: While David did not immediately assume the throne, this secret anointing marked the divine transfer of favor and authority from Saul to David, setting the stage for the tumultuous period that would follow.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "horn of oil" (Hebrew: qeren shemen) is significant. Unlike a small flask, a horn suggests a larger, more permanent vessel, implying an abundant and enduring anointing. The "Spirit of the LORD" (Hebrew: ruach Yahweh) refers to the active, enabling presence of God. Its coming "upon David from that day forward" indicates a continuous, empowering presence, distinct from the temporary empowerments sometimes seen with judges (e.g., Judges 14:6).

Practical Application

The story of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16:13 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God Uses the Unlikely: We are reminded that God often chooses those whom the world overlooks or deems unqualified. Our background or perceived limitations do not hinder God's plans for us.
  • Divine Calling Comes with Divine Equipping: When God calls individuals to a task, He also provides the necessary spiritual resources and empowerment. The Spirit of the LORD equips believers for service, much like the Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness and service in the New Testament.
  • Patience in God's Timing: Despite being anointed, David did not immediately become king. He endured years of preparation, hardship, and service to Saul. This teaches us patience and faithfulness while waiting for God's appointed time.
  • God Looks at the Heart: This verse reinforces the truth of 1 Samuel 16:7: God values character, humility, and a willing heart over outward appearances or impressive resumes.

This momentous anointing of David ultimately foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One (Messiah), who was also filled with the Spirit and chosen by God to be the true King of kings.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 10:6 (11 votes)

    And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

  • Hebrews 1:9 (8 votes)

    Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  • 1 Samuel 10:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?

  • Judges 11:29 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon.

  • John 3:34 (5 votes)

    For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

  • Judges 3:10 (4 votes)

    And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

  • 1 Samuel 10:9 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.