SAMUEL: The Shepherd-King

God frequently chooses the most unlikely people to do his work. This is because the Lord sees differently than man, which is evidenced in the anointing of the future king, David. God instructs Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint the next king, one who would be “after his own heart.” Seven impressive sons of Jesse are paraded in front of Samuel, but none are selected. David, the youngest son, has to be called in from the field and is anointed, because God looks on the heart and not as man sees. Immediately the Spirit of God rushes on David and remains upon him from that day forward. Meanwhile, the same Spirit departs from Saul who is then afflicted by a harmful spirit. Saul’s servants suggest bringing in a musician to soothe him. A period of years has passed, and an impressive young man named David is enlisted to serve Saul, advancing to become his armor bearer. As David is elevated, Saul is noticeably declining. It is the presence or absence of Spirit of God that makes the difference. The entire story foreshadows the greatest King Jesus, who would also come from Bethlehem to be the savior of his people.