1 Samuel16

The LORD rejects Saul as king and instructs Samuel to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons in Bethlehem. Samuel, guided by God who looks on the heart, selects and anoints David, the youngest son, upon whom the Spirit of the LORD descends. Concurrently, an evil spirit troubles Saul, leading his servants to bring David to court, where his harp playing provides the king with relief.

Samuel Sent to Anoint a New King

1
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided a king for myself among his sons.” ​
2
Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. ​
3
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.”
4
Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”
5
He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

God Chooses David, the Youngest

6
When they had come, he looked at Eliab, and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” ​
7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for I see not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ​
8
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”
9
Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”
10
Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.”
11
Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your children here?” He said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is keeping the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”
12
He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. The LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”
13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. ​

David Enters Saul's Service

14
Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. ​
15
Saul’s servants said to him, “See now, an evil spirit from God troubles you.
16
Let our lord now command your servants who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. It shall happen, when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play with his hand, and you shall be well.”
17
Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”
18
Then one of the young men answered, and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a comely person; and the LORD is with him.” ​
19
Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.”
20
Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
21
David came to Saul, and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.
22
Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me; for he has found favor in my sight.”
23
When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. ​

Study Notes for 1 Samuel 16

Verse 1

God instructs Samuel to cease mourning Saul’s rejection, initiating the search for a replacement king. The 'horn with oil' signifies a permanent, sacred anointing, unlike the flask used previously for Saul (10:1).

Verse 2

Samuel’s fear of Saul highlights the political danger of choosing a new king while the current one still reigns. God provides a legitimate, religious cover (a sacrifice) for the mission to Bethlehem.

Verse 6

Eliab, being tall and impressive, was the natural choice based on human standards, reflecting the criteria used when Saul was chosen. Samuel makes the same mistake he was warned against previously.

Verse 7

This verse is the central theological statement of the chapter: God assesses character and faithfulness ('the heart') rather than physical appearance. This critique directly addresses the failure of Saul, who was chosen for his outward stature.

Verse 13

Anointing David 'in the midst of his brethren' validates his kingship before his family, even though the public announcement is delayed. The immediate descent of the 'Spirit of the LORD' signifies divine empowerment for his future role.

Verse 14

This verse marks the theological transition: as the Spirit empowers David (v. 13), it departs from Saul. The 'evil spirit from the LORD' is understood as a tormenting spirit permitted or used by God as judgment for Saul's disobedience.

Verse 18

The servant’s description of David is highly ironic, listing qualities (mighty, man of war, prudent) that foreshadow his ascent to the throne, even while he is being hired merely as a musician. The phrase 'the LORD is with him' is a powerful testimony.

Verse 23

David’s successful use of the harp to soothe Saul demonstrates the power of the Spirit now resting upon David. The anointed king brings order and peace, contrasting the chaos and disorder brought by the spirit tormenting the rejected king.

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