We come to 1 Samuel 16, source of another well-known verse:
But the LORD said to Samuel, “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.” (1 Samuel 16.7, ESV)
“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” It’s about Eliab, David’s oldest brother, and we’ll see some of his heart tomorrow in the story of David and Goliath.
Saul has been rejected as king (1 Samuel 13.13, 14) and Samuel must anoint a replacement:
GOD addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16.1, MSG)
“Forgetting what is behind…” (Philippians 3.13)
God tells Samuel to go to Bethlehem to check out the sons of Jesse. Samuel’s reaction to Eliab, the firstborn, provokes the well-known verse we opened with:
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! GOD’s anointed!” (1 Samuel 16.6, MSG)
Nope.
Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, “GOD hasn’t chosen any of these.” Then he asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?” “Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.” Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.” (1 Samuel 16.10, 11, MSG)
It’s interesting that when told, presumably, to bring all his sons to the sacrifice, Jesse brings only seven, leaving David behind. I heard a sermon in which the pastor speculated that David might have been the product of an affair that Jesse had. I don’t remember the details of his research. We don’t know if that’s true or not – some are adamant that it’s not – but it seems odd that David was left out. If true, it gives a meaning to Psalm 51.5, beyond “original sin.”
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
No matter, David is the one:
Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking. GOD said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.” Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of GOD entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life. (1 Samuel 16.12 – 13, MSG)
And the next verse sets up the conflict that will be with us all the way through 1 Samuel. David is filled with the Spirit of GOD. Saul?
At that very moment the Spirit of GOD left Saul and in its place a black mood sent by GOD settled on him. He was terrified. (1 Samuel 16.14, MSG)
Stay tuned.
For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another. (Psalm 75.6, 7, NKJV)