1 SAMUEL 16.
God tells Samuel to go and anoint a new king over Israel. V1-3.

Samuel goes to Bethlehem to offer sacrifices, inviting Jesse and his sons. V4-5.

God does not choose any of Jesse’s older sons. V6-10.
…. “For the Lord does not see as man sees;
For man looks at the outward appearance,
But the Lord looks at the heart. ” V7.

Samuel asks about the absent son. V11.
David had not been included in the sacrificial feast.
He was called only because Samuel insisted on it.
David, the youngest of eight sons was called for the great anointing, when he was out keeping the sheep.

Looking after sheep would have given David time to admire the glory of God’s creation, as reflected in Psalms 8, 19 and 29.

Taking care of sheep would have given David, insights about God, the Divine Shepherd.
Psalm 23.

Watching over sheep would have kept David alert to lurking dangers of lions, bears and wolves.

David’s sheep tending time would have been a training time, for he never lost his shepherd’s heart.
Psalm 78: 70-72.
“He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheep folds, from following the ewes that had young;
He brought him to shepherd Jacob, His people and His inheritance.
So, he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands“.

David was chosen and anointed by Samuel and the Spirit of the Lord was with David, from that day forward.
1Samuel 16: 12-13.

David went on to become one of the greatest men in Israel, mentioned more than a thousand times in Scriptures.

The life of David was remarkable;
Abraham excelled in faith.
Moses was known for his fellowship with God.
Elijah was remembered for the fiery force of his enthusiasm.
But, David was a man after God’s own heart;
A talented youngster of integrity.

David is nominated to be Saul’s court musician.
…. “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valour, a man of war, prudent in speech, a handsome person and the Lord is with him. “
1 Samuel 16:18.

So, David entered Saul’s court as his personal musician and armor bearer. The time spent in Saul’s court would have helped David to observe the day to day matters there and imbibe qualities that would have helped him later in his kingship.

Compiled by Shanti Jayanth, Madurai.