8
Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. "The Lord hasn't chosen this one either," Samuel said.
9
Then Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, "The Lord hasn't chosen this one either."
10
After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, "The Lord hasn't chosen any of these."
11
Samuel asked him, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," he answered, "but right now he's tending the sheep." Samuel told Jesse, "Send for him. We won't sit down to eat until he gets here."
12
So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, "Anoint him, for he is the one."
13
So Samuel took the horn of oil, anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord took control of David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
David in Saul's Court
14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord began to torment him,
15
so Saul's servants said to him, "You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.
16
Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the harp. Whenever the evil spirit from God [troubles] you, that person can play the harp, and you will feel better."
17
Then Saul commanded his servants, "Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me."
18
One of the young men answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play [the harp]. He is also a valiant man, a warrior, eloquent, handsome, and the Lord is with him."