1 Samuel 16:6-16

6 When they came, he saw Eliab and thought, "Certainly, here in the LORD's presence is his anointed king."

7 But the LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the LORD looks into the heart."

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and brought him to Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either."

9 Then Jesse had Shammah come to Samuel. "The LORD has not chosen this one either," Samuel said.

10 So Jesse brought seven [more] of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen [any of] these.

11 Are these all the sons you have?" "There's still the youngest one," Jesse answered. "He's tending the sheep." Samuel told Jesse, "Send someone to get him. We won't continue until he gets here."

12 So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The LORD said, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one."

13 Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. The LORD's Spirit came over David and stayed with him from that day on. Then Samuel left for Ramah.

14 Now, the LORD's Spirit had left Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.

15 Saul's officials told him, "An evil spirit from God is tormenting you.

16 Your Majesty, why don't you command us to look for a man who can play the lyre well? When the evil spirit from God comes to you, he'll strum a tune, and you'll feel better."

1 Samuel 16:6-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 16

In this chapter Samuel is ordered to anoint a king among the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem, 1Sa 16:1-5 all whose sons were made to pass before him, excepting David, 1Sa 16:6-10 who being then with his father's sheep, was sent for and was anointed, 1Sa 16:11-13, after which the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and he became melancholy, and it was advised to seek out a musician for him, and David was mentioned to him as a proper person, 1Sa 16:14-18 upon which he was sent for, and acted as a musician to Saul, and also became his armourbearer, which was the first rise of him, 1Sa 16:19-23.