1 Samuel 16: From Shepherd to Sovereign: The Anointing of David

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 16.

YHWH had rejected King Saul. Although he will continue to rule for quite some time, God instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel. Despite many impressive candidates, God chooses David, a young and humble shepherd, highlighting the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances. This chapter marks the beginning of David's extraordinary journey as he becomes the renowned King David of Israel.

The Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It’s a true story of political intrigue and warfare, but it’s also more than that. 1 Samuel shows us God working to save his people from their enemies and even from themselves.