But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his outward appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (verse 7)
Message: The Anointing of David
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: Now that the Lord has regretted Saul as King (15:35), he tells Samuel to not grieve (v.1) over something God has done. I think that's an important idea that sometimes we dwell on something that is over and complete. God has made a decision so we simply need to move on.
Samuel fears his life. But The Lord plans a ceremony to show Saul who will choose - a sacrifice. God has "selected a king for Himself among his (Jesse the Bethlehemite) sons (verse 1)."
No more playing the game of letting Israel select their king that ended up not being a man that will follow God. Israel had selected someone that looked good, was tall. He had the right appearance. The Lord confirms that He chooses people based upon their heart (verse 7). I think this is the first time I have read verse 7 and realized the first part of the verse was speaking about Saul.
Samuel arrives in Bethlehem (verse 4) and invited Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice (v.5). It says in verse 5 in the NASB he consecrated those present. KJV says sanctified. To sanctify is "By the usual ceremonial purifications, such as washing the body and clothes, the outward symbols of spiritual preparation" (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges).
As the sons come in and come before Samuel, each son is presented - Abinadab, Shammah - in total "7 of his sons passed before Samuel (verse 10)."
Then it is discovered that the youngest is not even present. The youngest wasn't even thought to be included. And yet the youngest is who the Lord has his eye on. But he showed up and received the anointing by Samuel "in the midst of his brothers. (verse 13)"
A lot went in to set David apart as king. All of the initial work, consecrating the gathering didn't even include the one person God set aside to be his king. But it was done. So far there isn't any mention of what David thought of this. But God has chosen him.
Summary: After Saul, the Lord shows Samuel perhaps an unlikely successor for king in David, as someone chosen by God and seen by God in His way,
Promise: The Lord looks on the heart when He evaluates a person.
Prayer: O God, you are Holy and True. Thank you for reminding me the way you look at people and value them - looking at the heart. I want to have a good heart that honors You. Thank you for choosing me and calling Me to be Yours. Be glorified in me. Thank you for the people you have placed in my path.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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