1 Samuel 16:20

KJV

And Jesse took an ass [laden] with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent [them] by David his son unto Saul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jesse {H3448} took {H3947} an ass {H2543} laden with bread {H3899}, and a bottle {H4997} of wine {H3196}, and a {H259} kid {H1423}{H5795}, and sent {H7971} them by {H3027} David {H1732} his son {H1121} unto Saul {H7586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yishai took a donkey, loaded it with bread, a bottle of wine and a kid, and sent them with David his son to Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David.

American Standard Version

And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:20 records the seemingly ordinary but divinely orchestrated act of Jesse sending his son, David, to King Saul with a significant array of provisions: bread, wine, and a young goat. This humble errand serves as David's initial, God-appointed entry point into the royal court, positioning the secretly anointed future king of Israel within the very household he would one day replace, thereby setting in motion the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for the nation's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel's monarchy, directly following God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his persistent disobedience, particularly highlighted in his failure to fully obey the divine command concerning the Amalekites found in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). With Saul's spiritual decline, the prophet Samuel is divinely instructed to travel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse. The preceding verses, [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1-13 "1 Samuel 16:1-13 - David's Anointing"), detail the surprising selection and secret anointing of David, the youngest and least expected of Jesse's sons, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord powerfully comes. Immediately subsequent to David's anointing, an oppressive spirit from the Lord begins to torment Saul, as described in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - Saul Tormented by an Evil Spirit"), leading his distressed servants to recommend finding a skilled harpist to soothe him ([1 Samuel 16:16](/1_samuel/16-16 "1 Samuel 16:16 - The Search for a Musician")). David is then introduced to Saul's court through the glowing testimony of one of Saul's servants in [1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "1 Samuel 16:18 - David's Reputation Reaches Saul"), who extols his musical ability, valor, prudence, comeliness, and the crucial fact that "the LORD is with him." Saul's subsequent summons for David in [1 Samuel 16:19](/1_samuel/16-19 "1 Samuel 16:19 - Saul Summons David") directly precipitates Jesse's obedient and culturally appropriate response in verse 20, setting the stage for David's initial integration into the royal household.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the act of bringing gifts when approaching a king, dignitary, or even a superior was a deeply ingrained and expected cultural practice. Such offerings were far more than mere pleasantries; they served as tangible expressions of respect, loyalty, and a means of seeking favor or demonstrating allegiance. The specific gifts mentioned in this verse—bread, wine, and a kid (a young goat)—were not arbitrary. Bread was the most fundamental staple, representing sustenance and a gesture of peace. Wine was a valuable and significant beverage, often associated with hospitality and celebration. A young goat was a prized animal, suitable for a feast, a substantial gift, or even a sacrificial offering. The detail that the ass was "laden" with these provisions indicates a generous and considerable offering, reflecting Jesse's earnestness and the high regard for the king's summons. This was not a token gesture but a substantial presentation, aligning with the societal norms of the time for interacting with sovereign power. Bethlehem, David's hometown, was a relatively short, feasible journey from Gibeah, Saul's capital, making this delivery practical and timely.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is a powerful illustration of several profound themes central to 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly demonstrates **Divine Providence and Orchestration**. God, having already chosen and anointed David, meticulously orchestrates his entry into Saul's court through seemingly mundane circumstances: a servant's recommendation and a father's customary response to a royal summons. This highlights God's unseen, sovereign hand guiding events to fulfill His predetermined purposes, even when human actors are unaware of the grander divine plan unfolding. Secondly, the passage underscores **Humility and Obedience**. Despite being secretly anointed as the future king of Israel, David remains dutifully obedient to his earthly father, faithfully carrying out the humble task of delivering provisions. This showcases David's character of submissive service before his public ascent to prominence, a foundational trait for his future leadership. Lastly, the act of sending gifts reinforces the theme of **Customary Respect and Hospitality** prevalent in ancient Near Eastern culture, providing a realistic and culturally authentic backdrop against which God's extraordinary plan for David and Israel unfolds. This practice is mirrored in other biblical accounts, such as the Queen of Sheba's lavish gifts to Solomon in [1 Kings 10:2](/1_kings/10-2 "1 Kings 10:2 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ass (Hebrew, _ḥămôr'_):** A male donkey, distinguished by its reddish-brown or dun color. In ancient Israel, the ass was a ubiquitous and essential beast of burden, valued for its strength, endurance, and utility in transporting goods over various terrains. The phrase "ass laden" specifically emphasizes that the animal was carrying a substantial quantity of provisions, underscoring the generosity and significant nature of Jesse's gift to King Saul. It highlights the practical, rather than ceremonial, mode of transport, reflecting the humble circumstances of David's initial approach to the royal court.
* **Bottle (Hebrew, _nôʼd'_):** This term refers to a wineskin, typically crafted from the hide of an animal such as a goat or sheep. Wineskins were the primary and most practical containers for storing and transporting wine, water, and other liquids in the ancient world, known for their durability and ability to keep contents cool. The inclusion of a wineskin full of wine signifies a considerable quantity of this valuable and culturally significant beverage, further emphasizing the substantial nature of Jesse's offering and his adherence to the customs of generous hospitality.
* **Kid (Hebrew, _gᵉdîy'_):** Specifically denotes a young goat. Goats were a vital component of the ancient Israelite economy, providing essential resources such as milk, meat, and hides. A "kid" was a valuable and prized animal, often reserved for special occasions like feasts, as a significant gift to a dignitary, or for sacrificial purposes. Its inclusion in Jesse's offering to King Saul underscores the value and respect inherent in the gift, demonstrating Jesse's earnest desire to present his son appropriately before the king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesse took an ass [laden] with bread":** This opening clause establishes Jesse's active role and responsibility as David's father in responding to the royal summons. The detail of the "ass laden with bread" immediately conveys the substantial nature of the provisions, indicating a generous gift rather than a mere token. Bread, as a dietary staple, symbolizes sustenance and is a universal gesture of peace and goodwill, appropriate for a formal presentation to a king.
* **"and a bottle of wine":** The inclusion of wine, carried in a "bottle" (wineskin), signifies a valuable and refreshing commodity. Wine was integral to ancient Near Eastern hospitality, used in celebrations and as a significant part of meals. Its presence further emphasizes the generosity and respect Jesse intended to convey to King Saul, reflecting the cultural expectation of providing ample provisions.
* **"and a kid":** The addition of a "kid," a young goat, enhances the value and significance of the offering. A young goat was a prized animal, suitable for a feast or as a substantial gift, signifying a high degree of respect and honor. This completes the array of provisions, demonstrating Jesse's earnestness in fulfilling the king's request and presenting his son in a manner befitting the royal court.
* **"and sent [them] by David his son unto Saul":** This final clause is the narrative's central point, identifying David as the messenger. It highlights his obedience to his father and his humble, yet divinely orchestrated, entry into the royal sphere. This seemingly ordinary act of delivery is, in fact, the precise means by which David, the secretly anointed future king, gains access to King Saul's court, thereby setting the stage for his destiny and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The concise narrative in [1 Samuel 16:20](/1_samuel/16-20 "1 Samuel 16:20 - David Sent to Saul") employs several subtle yet potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. There is a clear element of **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly mundane act of delivering gifts subtly hints at David's future, divinely appointed role as king. The humble nature of his arrival, sent by his father with basic provisions, stands in stark contrast to the grandeur typically associated with a future monarch, creating a powerful sense of **Irony** that underscores God's unexpected and often humble ways of working. The specific gifts themselves—bread, wine, and a kid—carry layers of **Symbolism** beyond their material value; they represent sustenance, blessing, and perhaps even sacrifice, subtly pointing towards the provision God is making for David's journey and, ultimately, the greater provision found in Christ. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates remarkable **Narrative Economy**, conveying a pivotal moment with concise language, allowing the reader to grasp the immediate action while inferring its profound long-term implications for the history of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:20 profoundly illustrates the truth of God's sovereign providence, demonstrating how He uses seemingly ordinary circumstances and the faithful obedience of individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. David's entry into the royal court is not through a grand, kingly procession, but through a humble errand, carrying provisions. This teaches us that God often works behind the scenes, using our present circumstances—even those that seem insignificant or mundane—to position us for His future calling and to fulfill His overarching plan. Faithfulness in small tasks, like David's obedience to his father, can be the very preparation required for greater responsibilities and divine opportunities. It reminds believers that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His timing is perfect, often unfolding in unexpected and humble beginnings.

* [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")
* [Esther 2:15](/est_her/2-15 "Esther 2:15 - Esther Becomes Queen")
* [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus' Humble Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:20 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today: God's call on our lives often begins not with a grand announcement or a dramatic display, but with faithfulness in the ordinary, the overlooked, and the seemingly insignificant. David, though secretly anointed for kingship, remained a dutiful son, carrying out a simple errand. This passage challenges us to reconsider our perception of "small tasks" and "humble beginnings," reminding us that every act of obedience, every moment of faithfulness in our current circumstances, can be a crucial step in God's unfolding plan for our lives. We are called to trust God's sovereign hand, even when we cannot fully see the complete picture, knowing that He is meticulously preparing us for His purposes. Our willingness to serve humbly, to remain faithful in the mundane, and to embrace the unexpected paths He leads us on can open doors to divine opportunities far beyond what we could ever imagine. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of availability and obedience, recognizing that God's greatest works often begin in the quiet, uncelebrated corners of our lives, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's humble entry into Saul's court challenge our modern aspirations for immediate recognition or grand beginnings?**
* **What "small" or seemingly insignificant tasks in your life might God be using to prepare you for greater responsibilities?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of faithfulness and obedience in your daily routines, trusting that God is at work?**
* **How does recognizing God's divine orchestration in David's life encourage you to trust His timing and process in your own journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesse send gifts with David to King Saul?**

Answer: Jesse sent gifts with David as a customary and respectful practice when approaching a king or dignitary in the ancient Near East. This act demonstrated deference, loyalty, and goodwill. The gifts—bread, wine, and a kid—were valuable provisions, signifying generosity and hospitality, and were appropriate for presenting to a sovereign. It was a standard protocol for seeking favor or simply showing honor to the king, especially when sending one's son into royal service, as was the case with David.

**What was the significance of the specific gifts Jesse sent (bread, wine, and a kid)?**

Answer: The gifts were significant for several reasons, reflecting both practical value and cultural meaning. Bread was a fundamental staple, symbolizing sustenance and a gesture of peace and provision. Wine was a valuable commodity, used for refreshment, celebration, and as a significant part of meals, indicating generosity and hospitality. A "kid" (young goat) was a prized animal, suitable for a feast or as a substantial gift, highlighting the value of the offering and the respect shown. Together, these gifts represented a considerable provision, reflecting Jesse's earnestness and respect in responding to King Saul's summons and presenting his son, David, appropriately.

**Was David already known to King Saul at this point?**

Answer: David was not personally known to King Saul at this point, but his reputation had certainly reached the king's court. In [1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "1 Samuel 16:18 - David's Reputation Reaches Saul"), one of Saul's servants describes David in glowing terms, highlighting his musical skill, valor, prudence, comeliness, and, most importantly, that "the LORD is with him." It was based on this servant's compelling recommendation that Saul sent for David. Therefore, [1 Samuel 16:20](/1_samuel/16-20 "1 Samuel 16:20 - David Sent to Saul") describes David's first direct encounter with the king, facilitated by Jesse's obedient response to Saul's summons.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:20, detailing David's humble entry into Saul's court, richly foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as David, the shepherd boy chosen and secretly anointed by God, is sent by his father with gifts to the earthly king, so too is Jesus, the true Shepherd King ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), sent by His Heavenly Father into the world. Jesus, the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), comes not with worldly pomp and royal fanfare but in profound humility, born in a lowly manger ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus' Humble Birth")) and entering Jerusalem not on a warhorse but on a humble donkey ([Matthew 21:5-7](/matthew/21-5-7 "Matthew 21:5-7 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")). He is the true and ultimate provision sent from the Father, bringing the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and establishing the "new covenant in My blood" (symbolized by wine, [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), offering Himself as the supreme and perfect sacrifice for humanity. David's journey, meticulously orchestrated by divine providence, to become king of Israel, profoundly mirrors Christ's mission to establish His eternal kingdom, initially unrecognized by many, for "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), yet perfectly fulfilling God's sovereign plan for the redemption and reconciliation of humanity ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

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

Proverbs 18:16

¶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

1 Samuel 10:27

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

1 Samuel 17:18

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

2 Samuel 16:1

¶ And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 Samuel 16:2

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

Genesis 43:11

¶ And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

1 Samuel 25:18

¶ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid [them] on asses.