1 Samuel 16:3

Translation
King James Version
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And call H7121 Jesse H3448 to the sacrifice H2077, and I will shew H3045 thee what thou shalt do H6213: and thou shalt anoint H4886 unto me him whom I name H559 unto thee.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Summon Yishai to the sacrifice. I will tell you what to do, and you are to anoint for me the person I point out to you."
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”
Ask
American Standard Version
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. You shall anoint to me him whom I name to you.”
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And call Ishai to the sacrifice, and I will shewe thee what thou shalt doe, and thou shalt anoynt vnto me him whom I name vnto thee.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast called for Jesse in the sacrifice, and I cause thee to know that which thou dost do, and thou hast anointed to Me him of whom I speak unto thee.'
Ask
See also
1 Samuel 9:162 Samuel 15:111 Samuel 16:121 Samuel 16:13Acts 9:6Exodus 4:15Deuteronomy 17:14
See on the biblical-era map
Saul and David
Saul and David View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 7,599 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Samuel 16:3 records God's precise and strategic instruction to the prophet Samuel, outlining the divine method for anointing the next king of Israel. Following King Saul's rejection, Samuel is commanded to travel to Bethlehem, invite Jesse and his sons to a legitimate sacrificial feast, and there, God promises to reveal the specific individual whom Samuel is to consecrate. This directive underscores that the selection and anointing of the new monarch are entirely for God's divine purpose and glory, not human initiative or preference.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's monarchy, directly following God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his persistent disobedience, particularly highlighted by his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their livestock as commanded (1 Samuel 15:23). Samuel, deeply grieved by Saul's rejection and the profound implications for the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:35), is then commanded by God to cease mourning and proceed to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1). Samuel's apprehension regarding Saul's potential reaction if his true mission were discovered is addressed in the preceding verse (1 Samuel 16:2), leading directly to God's strategic and reassuring instruction in 1 Samuel 16:3. This divine directive provides a practical and discreet means for Samuel to fulfill his dangerous mission under the guise of a legitimate religious ceremony, setting the stage for the dramatic revelation and anointing of David.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The period described in 1 Samuel represents a significant transition in Israel's governance, moving from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. Kingship was a relatively new institution, and the process of selecting and consecrating a king was imbued with profound religious, social, and political significance. Anointing with oil was a well-established ritual in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying the setting apart of individuals for sacred office, whether priests, prophets, or kings. In Israel, this act conveyed divine authorization and empowerment, often accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Sacrifices were common religious practices, frequently involving communal feasts that fostered fellowship and worship. The instruction to "call Jesse to the sacrifice" would have been a normal invitation, providing a natural and inconspicuous cover for Samuel's true, clandestine mission. This allowed him to gather Jesse's family without arousing suspicion from Saul's loyalists, who would have viewed any attempt to anoint a new king as an act of treason. Bethlehem, though a small town, would later gain immense significance as the birthplace of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes present throughout the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Guidance, highlighting God's direct and active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in the selection of their leaders. Despite human fears and political complexities, God's plan unfolds according to His perfect will, not human preference or political maneuvering. Linked to this is the theme of God's Unexpected Choice, as God often chooses those whom human eyes might overlook, focusing on the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The instruction to Samuel also underscores the theme of Obedience to God's Command, demonstrating the paramount importance of faithful adherence to divine directives, even when circumstances are challenging or fraught with danger. Finally, the command to "anoint unto me" emphasizes the Sacred Nature of Divine Appointment, signifying the setting apart of an individual for a divinely ordained office, endowing them with God's Spirit and authority, and establishing a king who would rule under God's ultimate authority and for His purposes.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Sacrifice (Hebrew, zebach', H2077): This term (H2077) refers to a communal offering, typically a peace offering (shelem), where a portion of the animal is offered to God, and the remainder is consumed by the participants in a celebratory meal. In this context, the sacrifice serves as a legitimate and common religious event, providing a natural and inconspicuous cover for Samuel's true mission. It allows him to gather Jesse's family without drawing suspicion from Saul's watchful eyes or his loyalists, transforming an ordinary religious rite into the stage for a momentous divine appointment.
  • Anoint (Hebrew, mâshach', H4886): This verb (H4886) means to smear or rub with oil, and it carries profound theological weight. In ancient Israel, anointing was a ritual act that consecrated individuals—priests, prophets, and kings—setting them apart for sacred service and imbuing them with divine authority and enablement. The very title "Messiah" (Hebrew: Mashiach) derives from this root, meaning "Anointed One." Here, it signifies the formal, spiritual, and publicly witnessed (within the family context) consecration of the next king, marking him as divinely chosen and empowered.
  • Name (Hebrew, ʼâmar', H559): This verb (H559), translated as "name" in this context, signifies God's direct and specific designation of the chosen individual. It highlights God's active role in the selection process, emphasizing that the identity of the future king is not left to human discretion or Samuel's judgment, but is divinely revealed. This divine naming underscores the sovereignty of God in appointing leaders and ensures that the chosen one is truly God's choice, not a human preference.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And call Jesse to the sacrifice": This is the practical, immediate instruction given to Samuel. It provides the necessary cover for his sensitive mission. By inviting Jesse and his sons to a legitimate religious gathering, Samuel could observe them and perform the anointing without arousing the suspicion of King Saul or his agents, who would view any attempt to select a new king as treasonous. The sacrifice creates a context of communal worship and feasting, making Samuel's presence in Bethlehem seem entirely normal and above suspicion.
  • "and I will shew thee what thou shalt do": This clause is a divine promise of real-time, specific guidance. Samuel had expressed fear of Saul (1 Samuel 16:2), and this assurance directly addresses his apprehension. God promises to actively intervene and reveal the chosen individual at the appropriate moment, removing the burden of selection from Samuel and reinforcing divine sovereignty over the entire process. It highlights Samuel's role as an obedient instrument, not the ultimate decision-maker.
  • "and thou shalt anoint unto me [him] whom I name unto thee": This is the core command and the ultimate purpose of Samuel's journey. Samuel is the agent, but God is the selector and the one for whom the anointing is performed. The anointing is not a human initiative but a divine mandate, performed "unto me" (for God's own purpose and glory). This emphasizes that the king would be God's chosen representative, consecrated by divine authority, and ruling under God's ultimate dominion. The identity of the chosen one is held in God's hand until the moment of revelation, underscoring the unexpected nature of God's choice.

Literary Devices

The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning. Irony is evident in the fact that a mundane, common religious act—a sacrifice—becomes the clandestine stage for a monumental, kingdom-altering event. This highlights God's ability to work through ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary divine purposes, often in ways that defy human expectation. Divine Intervention is a prominent feature, as God directly speaks to Samuel, providing specific instructions and a promise of real-time guidance, underscoring His active and sovereign control over human history and the selection of leaders. The act of Anointing itself is rich with Symbolism, representing divine consecration, empowerment, and the setting apart of an individual for a sacred office. The oil, poured out, symbolizes the outpouring of God's Spirit and authority upon the chosen one. Furthermore, the secrecy surrounding the anointing of David, in contrast to Saul's more public anointing, serves as Foreshadowing, hinting at the tension and conflict that will inevitably arise between the two kings and the hidden, deeper nature of God's plan for His kingdom.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Samuel 16:3 serves as a profound theological statement about God's sovereign hand in history and His unique method of choosing leaders. It underscores that divine election is not based on human outward appearance, social status, or political expediency, but on God's own discerning heart and purpose. This principle is famously articulated later in the chapter: "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). The verse also highlights God's providential care, providing Samuel with a strategic, fear-mitigating plan to accomplish a dangerous mission. The anointing "unto me" establishes the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king is God's anointed representative, accountable to Him and ruling for His glory. This divine initiative sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, which would become the blueprint for the ultimate messianic kingdom.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The divine instruction in 1 Samuel 16:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today, calling us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unseen work and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances appear uncertain or daunting. Just as God provided a seemingly ordinary means (a sacrifice) to accomplish an extraordinary purpose (anointing a king), we are reminded that God often works through our everyday lives and seemingly mundane events to bring about His grand designs. Our role, like Samuel's, is to be obedient to God's specific instructions, even when the full picture is not clear or when fear might tempt us to hesitate. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and human judgments, recognizing that God's criteria for leadership and influence are rooted in the heart and character, not outward show. It challenges us to seek God's guidance in our own decisions, trusting that He will "shew thee what thou shalt do" when we commit our ways to Him, and to remember that every calling, gift, and responsibility we possess is ultimately "unto Him" for His glory and purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this verse challenge our human tendency to judge by outward appearance or rely on conventional wisdom in identifying leaders or making important decisions?
  • In what areas of your life are you called to obey God's specific instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain or seems risky, much like Samuel's mission?
  • How can we cultivate a greater awareness of God's sovereign hand working through ordinary circumstances and seemingly mundane events in our daily lives?

FAQ

Why did God instruct Samuel to use a sacrifice as a cover?

Answer: God instructed Samuel to use a sacrifice as a cover primarily to protect him from King Saul's wrath and suspicion. Samuel had expressed his fear, saying, "If Saul hear it, he will kill me" (1 Samuel 16:2). A sacrifice was a legitimate, common religious activity in ancient Israel, providing a natural and inconspicuous reason for Samuel's presence in Bethlehem. This allowed him to gather Jesse and his sons without arousing suspicion from Saul's loyalists, who would have viewed any attempt to anoint a new king as an act of treason. It was a divinely orchestrated strategy to accomplish God's will discreetly and safely, ensuring Samuel's protection while fulfilling the divine mandate.

What is the significance of the phrase "unto me" in this verse?

Answer: The phrase "unto me" (Hebrew: li) carries profound theological weight. It emphasizes that the selection and anointing of the king are not for Samuel's personal agenda, nor for the benefit of Jesse or Israel in a purely human or political sense, but solely for God's divine purpose and glory. The king would rule as God's representative, under His ultimate authority, and according to His will. This highlights the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where even the highest human office is consecrated and accountable to God, serving His divine plan rather than human ambition.

How does this anointing differ from Saul's initial anointing?

Answer: While both Saul and David were divinely chosen and anointed, their anointings differed significantly in context and visibility. Saul's anointing was a more public affair, occurring in response to Israel's demand for a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5-7), and was initially celebrated with public acclamation. David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16:3, however, is presented as a secret, divinely initiated act, performed under the guise of a sacrifice and known only to Samuel, Jesse, and David's immediate family. This shift underscores God's sovereign choice, based on the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), and foreshadows a deeper, more spiritual dimension to the kingship that would ultimately culminate in the Messiah.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Samuel 16:3, with its focus on God's sovereign selection and anointing of a king, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. David, chosen by God's heart and anointed "unto me," serves as a profound type of the true King who would come from his lineage. Just as God secretly prepared David for his kingship, so too did He meticulously prepare the way for the Messiah, whose kingdom would not be of this world but spiritual and eternal (John 18:36). Jesus' anointing was not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit, empowering Him for His messianic mission to preach good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free (Luke 4:18 and Acts 10:38). His entire life and ministry were "unto the Father," fulfilling God's will through perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). The "sacrifice" mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on Calvary, which not only consecrated Him as High Priest and King but also takes away the sin of the world (Hebrews 10:10-14 and John 1:29). Thus, 1 Samuel 16:3 points to God's unwavering commitment to establish His eternal kingdom through His divinely chosen and anointed King, Jesus the Messiah, the true Son of David, who reigns forevermore as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Samuel 16 verses 1–5

Samuel had retired to his own house in Ramah, with a resolution not to appear any more in public business, but to addict himself wholly to the instructing and training up of the sons of the prophets, over whom he presided, as we find, Sa1 19:20. He promised himself more satisfaction in young prophets than in young princes; and we do not find that, to his dying day, God called him out to any public action relating to the state, but only here to anoint David.

I. God reproves him for continuing so long to mourn for the rejection of Saul. He does not blame him for mourning on that occasion, but for exceeding in his sorrow: How long wilt thou mourn for Saul? Sa1 16:1. We do not find here that he mourned at all for the setting aside of his own family and the deposing of his own sons; but for the rejecting of Saul and his seed he mourns without measure, for the former was done by the people's foolish discontent, this by the righteous wrath of God. Yet he must find time to recover himself, and not go mourning to his grave, 1. Because God has rejected him, and he ought to acquiesce in the divine justice, and forget his affection to Saul; if God will be glorified in his ruin, Samuel ought to be satisfied. Besides, to what purpose should he weep? The decree has gone forth, and all his prayers and tears cannot prevail for the reversing of it, Sa2 12:22, Sa2 12:23. 2. Because Israel shall be no loser by it, and Samuel must prefer the public welfare before his own private affection to his friend. "Mourn not for Saul, for I have provided me a king. The people provided themselves a king and he proved bad, now I will provide myself one, a man after my own heart." See Psa 89:20; Act 13:22. "If Saul be rejected, yet Israel shall not be as sheep having no shepherd. I have another in store for them; let thy joy of him swallow up thy grief for the rejected prince."

II. He sends him to Bethlehem, to anoint one of the sons of Jesse, a person probably not unknown to Samuel. Fill thy horn with oil. Saul was anointed with a glass vial of oil, scanty and brittle, David with a horn of oil, which was more plentiful and durable; hence we read of a horn of salvation in the house of his servant David, Luk 1:69.

III. Samuel objects the peril of going on this errand (Sa1 16:2): If Saul hear it, he will kill me. By this it appears. 1. That Saul had grown very wicked and outrageous since his rejection, else Samuel would not have mentioned this. What impiety would he not be guilty of who durst kill Samuel? 2. That Samuel's faith was not so strong as one would have expected, else he would not have thus feared the rage of Saul. Would not he that sent him protect him and bear him out? But the best men are not perfect in their faith, nor will fear be wholly cast out any where on this side heaven. But this may be understood as Samuel's desire of direction from heaven how to manage this matter prudently, so as not to expose himself, or any other, more than needed.

IV. God orders him to cover his design with a sacrifice: Say, I have come to sacrifice; and it was true he did, and it was proper that he should, when he came to anoint a king, Sa1 11:15. As a prophet, he might sacrifice when and where God appointed him; and it was not all inconsistent with the laws of truth to say he came to sacrifice when really he did so, thought he had also a further end, which he thought fit to conceal. Let him give notice of a sacrifice, and invite Jesse (who, it is probable, was the principal man of the city) and his family to come to the feast upon the sacrifice; and, says God, I will show thee what thou shalt do. Those that go about God's work in God's way shall be directed step by step, wherever they are at a loss, to do it in the best manner.

V. Samuel went accordingly to Bethlehem, not in pomp, or with any retinue, only a servant to lead the heifer which he was to sacrifice; yet the elders of Bethlehem trembled at his coming, fearing it was an indication of God's displeasure against them and that he came to denounce some judgment for the iniquities of the place. Guilt causes fear. Yet indeed it becomes us to stand in awe of God's messengers, and to tremble at his word. Or they feared it might be an occasion of Saul's displeasure against them, for probably they knew how much he was exasperated at Samuel, and feared he would pick a quarrel with them for entertaining him. They asked him, "Comest thou peaceably? Art thou in peace thyself, and not flying from Saul? Art thou at peace with us, and not come with any message of wrath?" We should all covet earnestly to stand upon good terms with God's prophets, and dread having the word of God, or their prayers, against us. When the Son of David was born king of the Jews all Jerusalem was troubled, Mat 2:3. Samuel kept at home, and it was a strange thing to see him so far from his own house: they therefore concluded it must needs be some extraordinary occasion that brought him, and feared the worst till he satisfied them (Sa1 16:5): "I come peaceably, for I come to sacrifice, not with a message of wrath against you, but with the methods of peace and reconciliation; and therefore you may bid me welcome and need not fear my coming; therefore sanctify yourselves, and prepare to join with me in the sacrifice, that you may have the benefit of it." Note, Before solemn ordinances there must be a solemn protestation. When we are to offer spiritual sacrifices it concerns us, by sequestering ourselves from the world and renewing the dedication of ourselves to God, to sanctify ourselves. When our Lord Jesus came into the world, though men had reason enough to tremble, fearing that his errand was to condemn the world, yet he gave full assurance that he came peaceably, for he came to sacrifice, and he brought his offering along with him: A body hast thou prepared me. Let us sanctify ourselves, that we may have an interest in his sacrifice. Note, Those that come to sacrifice should come peaceably; religious exercises must not be performed tumultuously.

VI. He had a particular regard to Jesse and his sons, for with them his private business lay, with which, it is likely, he acquainted Jesse at his first coming, and took up his lodging at his house. He spoke to all the elders to sanctify themselves, but he sanctified Jesse and his sons by praying with them and instructing them. Perhaps he had acquaintance with them before, and it appears (Sa1 20:29, where we read of the sacrifices that family had) that it was a devout religious family. Samuel assisted them in their family preparations for the public sacrifice, and, it is probable, chose out David, and anointed him, at the family-solemnities, before the sacrifice was offered or the holy feast solemnized. Perhaps he offered private sacrifices, like Job, according to the number of them all (Job 1:5), and, under colour of that, called for them all to appear before him. When signal blessings are coming into a family they ought to sanctify themselves.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying 1 Samuel 16:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.