David Anointed as King

October 30, 2022 Background Scripture: I Samuel 16:1 -13 Lesson Passage: I Samuel 16:1 - 13 In last week's lesson, Saul was anointed as Israel's first king. Given his physical attributes, Saul was a man the nation was eager to have as king. When Saul was presented to them, they shouted, "Long live the king!" Saul could have made his reign successful by following the Lord. Instead, he did even as God had Samuel to warn the elders that he would do. Saul did what pleased the people despite clear instructions from God through Samuel. Saul even made excuses for his decisions that he knew went contrary to God's instructions. God sent Saul and Israel's army to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Saul kept the king alive to parade in front of the people like a victory trophy. Further, they were supposed to destroy all the possessions of the Amalekites. Instead, they kept the best- looking livestock allegedly to offer to God as a burnt offering. As a result of his continuous disobedience, God rejected Saul as king over His people, Samuel was disappointed with Saul's behavior and rebuked him to no avail. Saul readily admitted to doing the wrong thing, but he didn't change his behavior. Samuel was grieved because of Saul. God told Samuel to stop grieving for Saul and go to Bethlehem with the anointing oil to anoint the next king of Israel. God had chosen one of Jesse's sons to be king over the Lord's people. Samuel feared that Saul would learn about his actions and kill him. God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to make a sacrifice to Him and invite Jesse to the sacrifice. God would give Samuel the details of what to do after he arrives in Bethlehem. Samuel's behavior is a good example of faith. He went to where God sent him without having the details as to what he was going to do while there. Samuel went with God's assurance that God would show him what to do. Samuel thought he would be able to see what God was doing ahead of time. God informed him that people judge by what they see on the outside of a person whereas God judges based on what He sees on the inside. Jesse presented seven of his sons before Samuel one at a time. God assured Samuel that He had not chosen any of them to be king over His people. Samuel questioned Jesse as to whether all his sons were present. Jesse indicated that the youngest son was not there because he was watching the sheep. Samuel requested the presence of the youngest son before they proceeded further. When David entered, God instructed Samuel to rise and anoint him for he was the chosen one. Samuel poured the anointing oil on David in the presence of everyone there. The Spirit of God came on David from that day. The Spirit's presence was made obvious by the power of God working through David. And with that, a young shepherd boy, David, was anointed to be Israel's second king. God later made a covenant with David that extended the reign of his descendant throughout eternity. This was an honor incomparable to anything God had bestowed on anyone else. David was too young to serve as a warrior in Israel's army. But, when no one else was around, he had proven himself in God's eyes when he defended the sheep against a lion and a bear, David risked his life to protect the defenseless sheep of his father. Such behavior is not motivated by the person' s ability or appearance. That must be inside the person before the incident occurs. Samuel thought he could judge Jesse's sons by looking at the outside. What God desired in a leader for His people was based on what was inside the person. Inside the person's heart is where God does His inventory of the person's worth. Watching someone's sheep and risking your life for the protection of those sheep is the stuff God saw in David. Samuel poured the oil on David, and God poured out His Spirit on him. And David was anointed king. Robert C. Hudson October 1, 2022