1 Samuel 16:3

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.

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.

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."

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.”

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 16:3 details God's specific instructions to the prophet Samuel regarding the anointing of the next king of Israel, following King Saul's rejection. This verse reveals the divine strategy for identifying God's chosen leader from among Jesse's sons in Bethlehem.

Context

This verse comes at a pivotal moment in Israel's history. God had rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). The prophet Samuel was deeply grieved by this (1 Samuel 15:35), but God commanded him to cease mourning and proceed to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1). Samuel, fearing Saul's reaction (1 Samuel 16:2), receives a practical instruction: call Jesse to a sacrifice. This public, religious gathering would serve as a natural and inconspicuous cover for Samuel's true mission of selecting and anointing God's chosen one.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Sovereignty: The verse clearly shows God's direct involvement in selecting and revealing His chosen leader. Samuel is merely an obedient instrument, highlighting that God's plan unfolds according to His will, not human preference or political maneuvering.
  • Obedience to God's Command: Despite his fears and the delicate political situation, Samuel is instructed to follow God's precise command, demonstrating the importance of faithful obedience even when circumstances are challenging.
  • The Anointing Process: The command to "anoint unto me" signifies the sacred act of setting apart an individual for a divinely appointed office. This act would publicly and spiritually consecrate the next king, endowing him with God's Spirit and authority.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "anoint" (Hebrew: mashach - ΧžΦΈΧ©Φ·ΧΧ—). This verb means to smear or rub with oil, and it carries significant theological weight. In ancient Israel, anointing was a ritual act that consecrated priests, prophets, and kings, setting them apart for sacred service. The very word "Messiah" (Hebrew: Mashiach) derives from this root, meaning "Anointed One." The phrase "unto me" emphasizes that this anointing is not for Samuel's or Jesse's benefit, but for God's divine purpose and glory, establishing a king who would rule under His authority.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It underscores the principle that God is actively involved in raising up leaders and guiding events according to His perfect will. We are called to:

  • Trust God's Selection: Just as God identified David from among Jesse's sons, God continues to work behind the scenes, often choosing those whom human eyes might overlook. This reminds us to trust God's wisdom over our own judgments, as famously stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, "the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
  • Practice Obedience to Divine Instruction: Samuel's willingness to follow God's specific, even risky, instructions highlights the importance of obedience. When God gives a clear command, even if the full picture isn't clear, our faith is demonstrated through our willingness to act.
  • Recognize God's Purpose in Seemingly Ordinary Events: The sacrifice was a common event, but it became the stage for a momentous divine appointment. This reminds us that God can use everyday circumstances to bring about His extraordinary plans. The eventual anointing of David is detailed in 1 Samuel 16:13.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 (7 votes)

    To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

  • 2 Samuel 15:11 (4 votes)

    And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, [that were] called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

  • 1 Samuel 16:12 (3 votes)

    And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 9:6 (3 votes)

    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

  • Exodus 4:15 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

  • Deuteronomy 17:14 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;