1 Samuel 16:1-23
Q.1. How deeply was Samuel impacted by Saul’s failure? What did God do to break the prophet’s depression? Where was he to go? What was his commission? How was he received? – (1 Sam.16:1-5)
Samuel was deeply impacted by God’s rejection of Saul, and quite likely was depressed about the outcome. God changed all that when He commanded the prophet – How long will you grieve over 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 selected a king for Myself among his sons (1 Sam.16:1 c.f. Lk.2:1-4). Samuel explained why he had been paralysed into inaction. He feared that Saul would kill him (1 Sam.16:2). God told him what to do and say. Though Samuel knew he was to anoint the new king, he was only to tell the elders who he had come in peace and intended to offer a sacrifice to the Lord (1 Sam.16:2-5). The anointing was without fanfare. God would raise up David as his anointed king in due time.
Q.2. What lesson did Samuel learn about God’s choice? Why did the prophet ask if Jesse had another son? What was recorded about David? – (1 Sam.16:6-13)
Saul had stood out ‘head and shoulders’ above the nation. Samuel was probably devastated because Saul had all the natural credentials of a great leader. Jesse’s firstborn impressed the prophet, but the Lord told Samuel – … Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Sam.16:7). Likewise, all seven of Jesse’s older sons passed before Samuel. However, God told the prophet that none were chosen (1 Sam.16:8-10). Someone was missing. Samuel discerned that one of Jesse’s sons was absent. He was informed – There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep. Then Samuel said to Jesse, Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here (1 Sam.16:11). David – was ruddy with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance (1 Sam.16:12). More significant was the Lord’s direction – Arise, anoint him; for this is he (1 Sam.16:12). It is recorded that – Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. (1 Sam.16:13).
Q.3. What was King Saul’s state? How did the servants try to help him? How did David come to minister to the king? How effective was his service? – (1 Sam.16:14-23)
In contrast to David, Saul was oppressed by an evil spirit from the Lord (1 Sam.16:14-15 c.f. 1 Sam.16:13). His servants understood the power of godly music, so they sought a skilful player of the harp (1 Sam.16:16-17). Saul was informed – … Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skilful musician, a mighty man of valour, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him (1 Sam.16:18). Soon – Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armour-bearer (1 Sam.16:21). So it was that while David was still a youth, he was given first-hand experience of life in the court of the king. He served his king faithfully and with distinction. How important is godly music? Saul’s servants had worked out the value of music for soothing depression. That was why they counselled Saul to install David who was renowned for his beautiful voice and lyrics. This man after God’s heart soon brought relief to Saul … and his house (1 Sam.16:23).