1 Samuel 16

16:1-23 David was Saul’s replacement. There are striking similarities between the two: Samuel anointed both. Neither was pursuing the position. Both were unlikely candidates (Saul was from the smallest tribe; David was the youngest son). Both were impressive in appearance (9:2; 16:12). And the Spirit came mightily on each when he was anointed king (10:10; 11:6; 16:13). The key difference was that David was “a man after [God’s] own heart” (13:14; cp. 16:7), while Saul was not.16:1 mourned long enough: See study note on 15:35. • Bethlehem was about five miles south of Jerusalem. It was later known as the City of David (Luke 2:11) and the birthplace of Jesus. • Jesse was the grandson of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:22). • I have selected: This Hebrew verb implies that God had seen one of [Jesse’s] sons and based his choice on what he saw. God, the eternal king, knows better than the people of Israel how to choose a good king to serve the nation, and he provided a replacement for Saul who would lead Israel well.

16:2 say that you have come to make a sacrifice: God sometimes leads his servants into dangerous situations. He protects his own—sometimes by miracle, sometimes by strategy (cp. Exod 3:18-22). In Samuel’s role as a priestly judge, he would not have raised any suspicions by offering a sacrifice (see 1 Sam 10:8).

16:4 the elders . . . came trembling: News of Samuel’s rebuke of Saul and execution of Agag had likely reached Bethlehem.

16:5 Purify yourselves: Self-purification included bathing and abstaining from sexual intercourse (see Exod 19:10-15; cp. Gen 35:2-4). • The sacrifice likely took place the following morning (see Num 11:18; Josh 3:5; 7:13-14). • Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons to make sure they were ready for the sacrifice and for the anointing of the new king (cp. Exod 19:10; Josh 3:5).

16:6-7 his appearance or height: Like Saul, Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, had an impressive outward appearance (cp. 9:2). Also like Saul, he was rejected (cp. 15:23). God had another man in mind to anoint as king. • the Lord looks at the heart: God can give a new heart (10:9), touch hearts (10:26), and peer into the deep motivations of the heart (Ps 139:1). God sees what people cannot see—a person’s true character. Eliab’s character comes out in 1 Sam 17:28.

16:13 The Spirit of the Lord came . . . upon David, as was consistently evident (e.g., 16:23; 17:48-54; 18:5, 12-16). The Spirit of the Lord had also come upon Saul (10:10) but had left him because of disobedience (16:14). • Ramah: Samuel’s hometown (1:1).

16:14–31:13 Saul’s kingship continued its downward spiral after God’s Spirit departed from him. His reign ended in shame and defeat (ch 31).16:14 Spirit . . . left Saul: In contrast with David’s receiving the Spirit (see “The Spirit’s Presence” Theme Note). • The Lord sent a tormenting spirit as a consequence of Saul’s disobedience (see also 18:10; 19:9; cp. Judg 9:23; Rom 1:28-29).

16:18 harp: The instrument was probably a lyre (as in 10:5). • the Lord is with him: People recognized that God’s Spirit was upon David (16:13).

16:21 Although at first Saul loved David very much, this love soon turned to intense jealousy and hatred (see 18:8-14). • An armor bearer in ancient Israel served as the personal attendant of a warrior chieftain (see 14:1-15; 31:4-6; Judg 9:54; 2 Sam 18:15).

16:22 David’s father, Jesse (16:18), arranged for David to continue serving Saul while still fulfilling his shepherding duties at home (see 17:14-15).

16:23 Saul would feel better: David was more than a handsome lad gifted in music; he was the anointed king. Here David illustrated what a king should be: one who brings relief. Later, David composed dozens of psalms that have brought comfort and relief through the ages. • the tormenting spirit would go away: Even those who are disobedient and rejected can receive relief and comfort through the Lord’s servant.