1 Samuel: Chapter 16
This chapter records David anointed as King and the distressing spirit which troubles Saul.
Chapter Recap
The LORD sends Samuel to Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint one of his sons. Samuel then goes and hosts a sacrifice to the LORD in Bethlehem, where he calls Jesse and his sons and anoints David, the youngest, under the instruction of the LORD. David is chosen for his heart, despite not being outwardly remarkable as Saul was when he was chosen. After being anointed in the midst of his brothers, the Spirit of the LORD came upon David. This is in contrast to Saul, from whom the Spirit of the LORD departs, and a distressing spirit troubles him. The chapter ends with David called to comfort the now troubled Saul. The servants note that the LORD is with David and also state “a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person”; pointing to the transformation David had post being anointed with the Spirit of the LORD.
The LORD who shows the way
Samuel, the kindred spirit, still mourned for Saul - the one he anointed into service as King. But Saul had clearly grown more wicked so much so that Samuel hesitated when told by the LORD to go and anoint the new King. Nevertheless, the LORD who always provides, shows the way to Samuel. He visits Bethlehem to offer sacrifice to the LORD, and whilst there consecrates and invites Jesse and his sons to the same. This gives Samuel the opportunity to find and anoint the next king of Israel.
The LORD who sees the heart
Samuel, despite being disappointed in Saul, chose the same metric to look for the next king; he looked only at the outward appearance. It is at this point the LORD made absolutely clear about what He looks for; the heart. The LORD judges men by the heart, for it is where our love, faith and fear are planted - hidden from others. When Saul was chosen, the LORD transformed his heart, however, Saul was unwilling to remain that way and chose his path. Here, we see that the LORD chose someone whose heart was already aligned in His path. It didn’t matter that he was the youngest of Jesse’s children, but only that his heart was set towards the LORD.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” I Samuel 16:12
This contrast between the first and second kings of Israel is also because of how they were elected. Saul was chosen to please the people who demanded a king. David was chosen because his heart pleased the LORD and had qualities which were worthy to lead a nation (which Saul had to be taught). Thus, it is always better to wait for the LORD’s time, rather than placing our demands and expecting results. For while we might get what we think we wanted, it might not be the best for us. However, with patience and faith, we would receive the absolute best for us.
The LORD who sanctifies the soul
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. I Samuel 16:13
To an outsider, it would have seemed that David was the least qualified to rule a kingdom. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. Which made all the difference. The anointing was not an empty ceremony, rather divine power went with that instituted sign. David advanced in wisdom and courage though not appearing advanced in his outward circumstances. We’d later see all the qualities of David which made him worthy. We’d also see his patience and perseverance in the matters pertaining to the LORD and how he was solidified into a prince.
This chapter closes with the contrasting nature of two spirits. While David grew more noble, Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the LORD departed from him, and this vacancy is filled with a distressing spirit permitted by the LORD. The vanity he chased in his heart, now drove his mind to extreme distress to the point of madness at times. Interestingly, David who was now anointed was called to calm the distressing spirit which possessed Saul.
Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, 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 handsome person; and the Lord is with him.” I Samuel 16:18
Even the servants had noted that the LORD is now with David. While they might not have understood the implications, it was now clear to the onlookers that something was special about David. The spirit of the LORD was now upon David. Added to that, his outward characteristics are also enhanced.
And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. I Samuel 16:23
The major takeaway for us from this chapter would be how our hearts are aligned in regards to the LORD. We do as humans possess desires and ambitions. But we should take care that these are not in conflict with the LORD’s plan for us. It is easy to give in to all our desires, but it would not be worthy of us to do so. Rather, a conscious effort to seek the LORD, and spread his love would help us understand the LORD better and thereby further us in His path. The cautious tale of Saul tells us that it would be much worse for someone to experience the spirit of the LORD and then turn back against the LORD. Let’s strive to grow closer to the LORD in love and faith. See you in the next one! Take care of yourself and each other!
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