Main Highlights
God directs Samuel to anoint David as the next king, despite his humble background. The Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul and an evil spirit torments him.
Key Verses
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
Related Scripture
God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.- 1 Corinthians 1:27
Scholar Insight
"The anointing of David is an important event in the narrative, as it marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to raise up a king after his own heart. - Robert Bergen, "1, 2 Samuel," The New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), p. 144"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is sovereign and chooses whom He wills, often choosing the unlikely and humble. He sees beyond outward appearances to the heart. 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.' (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Christological Connection
David, as the anointed king, foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate king. 'The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.' (Luke 1:32-33)
Systematic Theology
This passage demonstrates God's foreknowledge and election. 'For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.' (Romans 8:29)
Law & Grace
The contrast between Saul (who failed to keep the law) and David (who is chosen by God's grace) subtly points to the themes of law and grace. 'For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.' (John 1:17)
Personal Application
We should trust in God's sovereign plan and not judge others based on outward appearances. We should also seek to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' (Psalm 51:10)