Samuel Goes to Bethlehem
October 27, 2021
Commentary
God had rejected Saul because he was self-centered and refused to obey Him. Now He has already made His choice of a new king to replace Saul and asks Samuel to go to Bethlehem to meet and anoint this chosen one (v. 1). However, Samuel had to do this in secret because, if Saul had known about it, his life would have been in jeopardy (v. 2). God tells Samuel exactly what to do but he does not give him any advance information. So Samuel goes to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse and asks he and his sons to come for a sacrifice (v. 3). The elders were apprehensive about Samuel coming to their town because of his estrangement with the king (v. 4). Samuel took great care in the sanctification of Jesse’s family (v. 5).
Since Saul was a tall, handsome and impressive-looking man, Samuel was looking for someone that looked like him (v. 6). However, God warned him that the outward appearance was not to be considered at all in making the choice (v.7). God judges by faith and character and not by appearance. Because He is the only one who can see the inside of a person, He is the only one who can accurately judge people. You and I demonstrate whether or not we are children of the Lord Jesus Christ by our love for Him. It is not what we say in testimony; it is whether on not we are obeying Him. The Christian life is one of reality. It is not a life of “put on” and pretense.
After the seven older sons of Jesse were disqualified one by one (vv. 8-10) as they passed by Samuel, David was singled out by the Lord and anointed by Samuel (vv. 11-13). Jesse certainly would not have chosen him. In fact, he had ignored him entirely. David was only a boy. It is believed that he was abought sixteen. This was the supernatural authentication of God’s will. The anointing, as in the experience of Saul, was accompanied by the coming of the Spirit of God mightily on the young lad (v. 13). David was anointed king in a secret ceremony and was not publically anointed until much later (II Samuel 2:4-5:3). Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. Until his death, Saul is respected by David as the Lord’s anointed.
Application
Many people spend hours each week working on their outward appearance when they should be spending more time developing the inner character. What steps do I need to take to improve my heart’s attitude about what others may or may not think about me?
1 Samuel 16:1– 13 (NET)
1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long do you intend to mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with olive oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for myself from among his sons.”
2 Samuel replied, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me!” But the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you should do. You will anoint for me the one I point out to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord told him. When he arrived in Bethlehem, the elders of the city were afraid to meet him. They said, “Do you come in peace?” 5 He replied, “Yes, in peace. I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” So he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they arrived, Samuel noticed Eliab and said to himself, “Surely, here before the Lord stands his chosen king.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way people do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Then Jesse presented Shammah. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 10 Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all the young men?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest one, but he’s taking care of the flock.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we cannot turn our attention to other things until he comes here.”
12 So Jesse had him brought in. Now he was ruddy, with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said, “Go and anoint him. This is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn full of olive oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day onward. Then Samuel got up and went to Ramah.
Illustration: Entire Band Falls to Their Knees
Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then lord chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized Marten among the group and cried, “Neil!” Not daring to question or disobey the “command,” the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees! (Today in the Word, July 30, 1999).