Ep 589 – 1 Samuel 16:1-11

Today we begin a new series on the life of David. Over the next few months we are going to be looking into the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st Kings as we unpack the life of this incredible character from the Old Testament. We'll open up in this episode with God sending His prophet, Samuel, to the house of Jesse in order to select a successor for the disobedient King Saul. We are first introduced to David in 1 Samuel 16:1-11. And interestingly enough, he's almost a no-show in this passage, having been left in the fields by his father, relegated to tending sheep while Jesse and his older sons entertain the prophet of God. This passage presents an interesting contrast, revealing a marked difference between God's viewpoint and that of men. Samuel has been commanded by God to anoint the next king of Israel, whom God Himself had already chosen. But Samuel was in the dark as to who this new king might be. So, he went with his instincts and looked for the man who looked the part. He judged by outward appearances, falling into the old trap of judging a book by its cover. But God intervened and insisted that His choice would be unexpected and he would be a man after His own heart.