Friday, May 31 – 1 Samuel 16, 17 – Additional Reading: Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 62, “The Anointing of David,” and 63, “David and Goliath”

1. Do you find any personal application when God tells Samuel to stop mourning and act? 1 Samuel 16:1

2. What lesson did the Lord teach Samuel by choosing the least apparent of Jesse’s sons? 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Why did Saul need David? 1 Samuel 16:16-18

4. What lesson is conveyed in David’s choice to face Goliath with his own work tools? 1 Samuel 17:28-40

Commentary and Reflection:

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Among the Hebrew dynasty, David, known as “The Sweet Psalmist of Israel,” is revered as the most beloved king by his people. Even today, the Star of David adorns the flag of Israel. God favors the meek and humble of heart and is indifferent to physical greatness, wealth, or any other human trait. David, despite not being the most impressive among Jesse’s eight sons, was chosen by God.

David, representing one of the various types of Jesus in the Old Testament, closely resembles Him, though imperfect, much like Joseph and Daniel.

“A few miles south of Jerusalem, “the city of the great King,” is Bethlehem, where David, the son of Jesse, was born more than a thousand years before the infant Jesus was cradled in the manger and worshiped by the Wise Men from the East. Centuries before the advent of the Saviour, David, in the freshness of boyhood, kept watch of his flocks as they grazed on the hills surrounding Bethlehem. The simple shepherd boy sang the songs of his own composing, and the music of his harp made a sweet accompaniment to the melody of his fresh young voice. The Lord had chosen David, and was preparing him, in his solitary life with his flocks, for the work he designed to commit to his trust in after years.”  Patriarchs and Prophets 637

Now it is David’s turn to be chosen by God. When Samuel received God’s command to anoint the next king at Jesse’s house, he hesitated, fearing for his life if Saul discovered his mission. Some speculate that God led Samuel to tell a partial truth to Bethlehem’s elders, indicating that he was there to make a sacrifice when, in fact, he came to anoint the new king. In the presence of the elders, Samuel had to conduct a sacrifice as part of the new king’s anointing ceremony. The selection process, unexpected to all, was orchestrated by God.

As Samuel anointed David with holy oil before his brothers, the Holy Spirit immediately came upon him. David, the shepherd-king, prefigures Christ, who transitioned from tending sheep to ruling over Israel. Christ, as the Good Shepherd, sacrificed His life for His flock to become the King of the Universe (John 10:11).

The triumph of David over the giant Goliath is a monumental event recorded in history. David’s defiance of Goliath, relying on God’s power, is evident in his words: ” “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Just as the prophet later declared, ” “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, Says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

The lesson for us today is clear: we cannot face and overcome the temptations and assaults of Satan by our own strength, but through complete reliance on Almighty God.

May the Lord guide us in this path!