In 1 Samuel 16, we enter a moment of transition that feels both poignant and necessary, as God begins to move in a new direction with Israel. Samuel, the faithful prophet, has already been through a heart-wrenching experience with Saul, Israel’s first king. The Lord has rejected Saul because of his disobedience, and Samuel is left grieving over a situation that has unfolded so tragically. We sense the heaviness in Samuel’s heart as God speaks to him, urging him to stop mourning and to get up, fill his horn with oil, and go to Bethlehem. There, God has chosen a new king to replace Saul, one who is after God’s own heart. It’s a pivotal moment, but also a difficult one, as Samuel must now carry out the task of anointing a new king in the face of Saul’s rejection.
Samuel, understandably, is fearful of what might happen. Saul is still king, and the idea of anointing someone else in secret might be seen as treasonous. But God reassures Samuel, telling him to take a heifer with him and to make a sacrifice in Bethlehem. It’s a simple plan, but it works. The elders of the town are nervous at first, wondering why Samuel has come, but Samuel assures them that he comes in peace and that he has come to sacrifice to the Lord. The tension in the air is palpable as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house, where God has instructed him to find the new king. Samuel, knowing that God will reveal who this man is, begins his task of searching for the chosen one.
As Samuel meets each of Jesse’s sons, he’s initially impressed by the firstborn, Eliab, who is tall and strong. In Samuel’s mind, this surely looks like the kind of king God would choose. But as he stands there, ready to anoint Eliab, God speaks clearly to him: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” These words hit us with the force of truth, and we feel a shift happening not just in Samuel’s heart, but in our own. We are reminded how easy it is to judge by external appearances, to pick the strong, the charismatic, the obvious leader, forgetting that God sees something deeper. God’s criteria for leadership aren’t based on human strength or status but on the condition of the heart.
So, one by one, Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel, but each one is rejected by God. Samuel, perplexed, asks Jesse if he has any more sons. Jesse replies that there is still the youngest, David, who is out in the fields tending the sheep. As David steps into the room, we are introduced to the future king of Israel—a young shepherd, the least likely candidate, someone who is so far removed from the expectations of leadership. But as soon as Samuel sees him, God tells him, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” We feel the weight of that moment, the turning of a page, as Samuel takes his horn of oil and anoints David in front of his family. This simple, humble act marks the beginning of a new era for Israel, one that will eventually lead to a king who will not only rule the people but also have a heart that seeks after God.
As soon as Samuel anoints David, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him. We’re reminded that God’s anointing isn’t just for outward office—it’s a divine equipping, a filling with strength and wisdom, and a unique calling. The Spirit of the Lord that now rests on David sets him apart in ways that will become clear in the coming chapters. We’re also reminded that while David is chosen for his heart, it doesn’t mean that his journey will be without struggle. He’s anointed in this moment, but the path to kingship will be long and fraught with challenges.
Meanwhile, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and an evil spirit begins to torment him. Saul’s instability becomes more apparent as he is overwhelmed by fear and confusion. His servants, recognizing his distress, suggest that someone be brought to play music for him, believing that music might soothe his troubled spirit. David, still a young shepherd, is summoned to play the harp for Saul. As David enters Saul’s court, we witness the beginning of a relationship that will shape both their lives in different ways. David’s music calms Saul’s troubled soul, and for a moment, the two seem to find a kind of peace. But we know that this peace is fleeting, and that Saul’s jealousy of David will eventually lead to deeper conflict.
As we reflect on this chapter, we are struck by the contrast between David and Saul. Saul, once anointed by God, is now rejected because of his disobedience, while David, a young and unassuming shepherd, is chosen for his heart. We are reminded of how easy it is to pursue outward success, to choose leaders based on strength and stature, but God is teaching us that true leadership is about the condition of the heart. We are invited to ask ourselves: where do we judge others based on appearance, and where might God be calling us to look deeper, to see the hearts of those around us?
David’s anointing speaks to us of God’s ability to use the most unlikely of people, those who seem unqualified or unnoticed, to fulfill His purposes. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His choices often defy human expectations. We also see that God equips those He calls, filling David with His Spirit in ways that will empower him for the challenges ahead. And as we see David entering Saul’s court, we sense that the path to greatness is not always direct—it involves service, faithfulness, and moments of peace in unexpected places. This chapter invites us to reflect on how God is shaping us, preparing us for tasks ahead, and how our own hearts can align more closely with His will.