1 Samuel 16:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### 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.

### 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](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Rejection")). Samuel, having mourned Saul, 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, famously declaring, "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](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). David, the youngest and a shepherd, is finally brought in, and his anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing") 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](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")) 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](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing") 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](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). 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
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren_):** The use of a "horn" rather than a small flask (as used for Saul in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")) 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.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach_):** This verb means "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to consecrate." It 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.
* **Spirit of the LORD (Hebrew, _ruach Yahweh_):** 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](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - Samson Empowered by the Spirit")). 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.
* **"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.
* **"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.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing") 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. 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](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). 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.

* [Psalm 89:20](/psalm/89-20 "Psalm 89:20 - God's Chosen Servant David")
* [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's anointing challenge our human criteria for leadership and success in our personal lives and in the church?**
* **In what ways do we seek or recognize the "Spirit of the LORD" empowering us for our callings and daily responsibilities today?**
* **What does David's subsequent journey, marked by waiting and preparation, teach us about patience and faithfulness after receiving a divine calling?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "horn of oil" used instead of a flask for David's anointing?**

Answer: The use of a "horn of oil" (Hebrew: *qeren shemen*) instead of a small flask (as used for Saul in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")) 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?**

Answer: 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](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")), and then later over all Israel ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King of All Israel")). This period of waiting and preparation was crucial for shaping David's character and leadership.

**What is the significance of the Spirit of the LORD coming "from that day forward" upon David?**

Answer: 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](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - Samson Empowered by the Spirit")), 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of David in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing") 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](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism and the Spirit")), 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](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). 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](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, David's anointing is a beautiful type, pointing to the perfect, Spirit-filled, and everlasting reign of Christ.

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

1 Samuel 10:6

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

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

¶ 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

¶ 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

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

Judges 3:10

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

¶ 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.