By: Tom Chantry on Wednesday 8/8/07

The Selection and Anointing of David

As Samuel exited the national stage, God gave him the opportunity to see the coming deliverance of Israel by sending him to Bethlehem to anoint the next king. By having Samuel look at each of Jesse's sons, God taught him that men do not and cannot see as God sees. Even when David was brought in, Samuel could see only his outward appearance - and David looked nothing like a king. Samuel needed to rely entirely on God's infinite wisdom to direct him to the right selection. In fact, in this case Samuel had no greater insight than any other godly believer would have - except that God spoke to him. To the end of his days Samuel would have been nothing had he not been a mouthpiece for God, and his greatness rested on his faithful proclamation of God's word.