![]() Why the two are treated so differently is never stated. Even though David, like Saul, will commit some grievous sins and make terrible mistakes, God does not abandon David. He will be the standard by which the book of Kings evaluates all subsequent kings of Israel and Judah. David becomes known as one after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The condition of the heart is a recurring theme in the book of Samuel, as in many other biblical texts. ![]() From this humble beginning will come one of the most influential figures in the entire Old Testament. What may be surprising is that a shepherd would actually become a king. So, it is not surprising that a king should be compared to a shepherd. The shepherd/king must lead the sheep/people, care for them-especially for the weak and powerless-and put himself in danger to protect them. Shepherding was commonly used as a metaphor for kingship throughout the ancient world. David is the youngest and the one ignored in the original call to come before the prophet. God tells Samuel that “the Lord does not see as mortals see they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (16:7).įinally, after Samuel has seen and rejected seven of Jesse’s sons, David is brought before him. These are the attributes that made Saul seem like a good choice for king (1 Samuel 9:2 and 10:23). God, however, rebukes Samuel, warning him not to consider appearance or height. When Samuel sees Jesse’s firstborn, he feels certain that Eliab is God’s choice. God instructs Samuel to journey to the small village of Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse, so that God can reveal to Samuel which of the sons will become the new king. ![]() Samuel has been grieving over Saul, but God will not allow him to remain in this state. After God’s rejection of Saul as king, God tells Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as Saul’s replacement. ![]()
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