1 Samuel 15:34-16:13. Tonight’s text tells us how David became a great king

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Tonight’s text tells us how David became a great king.

A New KingA New King

The most important part of this text is the activity of God.

The most important part of this text is the activity of God.◦The text makes clear that Samuel did not anoint David as king.

The most important part of this text is the activity of God.◦The text makes clear that Samuel did not anoint David as king.◦Granted, he poured the oil on David’s head, but it was God who

directed his actions.


directed his actions. It was the LORD who regretted that he had made Saul king over

Israel.



Israel. It was the LORD who told Samuel to go to Jesse in Bethlehem.



Israel. It was the LORD who told Samuel to go to Jesse in Bethlehem. It was the LORD who told Samuel how to keep his mission secret

from Saul.




from Saul. It was the LORD who did not look on outer appearance but on the

heart.




from Saul. It was the LORD who did not look on outer appearance but on the

heart. It was the LORD, who said of David, “Arise, anoint him, for this is

he” (v 12, ESV).


directed his actions.◦David recognized the hand of God in selecting Israelite kings.


directed his actions.◦David recognized the hand of God in selecting Israelite kings.

“Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Sm 26:9, ESV).

Tonight, we wish to examine the activity of God in anointing David as King of Israel.

Tonight, we wish to examine the activity of God in anointing David as King of Israel.◦We’ll seek to make application to today.

Tonight, we wish to examine the activity of God in anointing David as King of Israel.◦We’ll seek to make application to today.◦We’ll see:

A DEMAND A DIRECTION A DIMENSION A DECISION


v 35

There is a demand for a new King of Israel.

There is a demand for a new King of Israel. “Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death,

but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel” (v 35, ESV).

Samuel never saw Saul again, but he grieved over him.

Samuel never saw Saul again, but he grieved over him.◦Why?

Samuel never saw Saul again, but he grieved over him.◦Why?◦Several possibilities.

Samuel never saw Saul again, but he grieved over him.◦Why?◦Several possibilities:

Samuel may have grieved that Saul went so far into sin.


Samuel may have grieved that Saul went so far into sin. Samuel may have grieved for Saul personally.


Samuel may have grieved that Saul went so far into sin. Samuel may have grieved for Saul personally. Samuel may have grieved that Israel had such a king.

The LORD also mourned over Saul.

The LORD also mourned over Saul.◦“The LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel”

(v 35, ESV).


(v 35, ESV).◦KJV: “The LORD repented that he had made Saul king over

Israel.”



Israel.” If the LORD did not sin in anointing Saul king—and God

cannot sin—how could the LORD repent for making Saul king?



Israel.” If the LORD did not sin in anointing Saul king—and God

cannot sin—how could the LORD repent for making Saul king?

The text doesn’t say that the LORD repented of sin.

The root of the Hebrew term actually means “breathing deeply” & thus conveys the idea of deep sorrow.

The root of the Hebrew term actually means “breathing deeply” & thus conveys the idea of deep sorrow.◦Without doubt, Saul’s sins brought great sorrow to the LORD.

The root of the Hebrew term actually means “breathing deeply” & thus conveys the idea of deep sorrow.◦Without doubt, Saul’s sins brought great sorrow to the LORD.◦Sin always brings deep sorrow to God.

The root of the Hebrew term actually means “breathing deeply” & thus conveys the idea of deep sorrow.◦Without doubt, Saul’s sins brought great sorrow to the LORD.◦Sin always brings deep sorrow to God: “The LORD was sorry

that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gn 6:6, ESV).

But, the idea of God’s “repenting” also carries the idea that God changes his mind.

But, the idea of God’s “repenting” also carries the idea that God changes his mind.◦Usually, the term indicates that God has turned from some

punishment.


punishment: “The LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people” (Ex 32:14, ESV).


punishment: (Ex 32:14).◦When God “repents” from disaster, it’s because people have

repented of their sins & turned back to him.



repented of their sins & turned back to him. “No word is God’s final word. Judgment, far from being absolute,

is conditional. A change in man’s conduct brings about a change in God’s judgment.”



repented of their sins & turned back to him. “No word is God’s final word. Judgment, far from being absolute,

is conditional. A change in man’s conduct brings about a change in God’s judgment.”

But, in Saul’s case, God doesn’t “repent” of disaster. Because Saul has gone deeper & deeper into sin, God “repents” of his promised blessings.

With a Christian, can God not, too, “repent” of blessings?

With a Christian, can God not, too, “repent” of blessings?◦“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments,

and I will never blot his name out of the book of life” (Rev 3:5, ESV).

With a Christian, can God not, too, “repent” of blessings?◦“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments,

and I will never blot his name out of the book of life” (Rev 3:5, ESV). Implication: “If a Christian does not conquer, he will not be clothed in white garments & I will blot his name out of the book of life?”

With a Christian, can God not, too, “repent” of blessings?◦Rev 3:5. ◦“If, after they have escaped the defilements of the world

through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pt 2:20-21, ESV).


through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pt 2:20-21, ESV). Is that not a clear-cut case where the Lord has “repented” toward

the Christian in the exact same way he “repented” toward Saul?


through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pt 2:20-21, ESV). Is that not a clear-cut case where the Lord has “repented” toward

the Christian in the exact same way he “repented” toward Saul? Has God “repented” toward you?


vv 2-3

God directed the steps of Samuel in anointing a new king.

God directed the steps of Samuel in anointing a new king. “Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill

me.’ And the LORD said, ‘Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you’” (vv 2-3, ESV).

Samuel was rightly concerned that Saul might hear of his action, consider it treason, & kill him.

Samuel was rightly concerned that Saul might hear of his action, consider it treason, & kill him.◦The LORD told Samuel to take a heifer & declare that he had

come to sacrifice.


come to sacrifice.◦This heifer would likely be a peace offering (Lev 13:1).



These sacrifices could be made in the open field & brought to the sanctuary after they were sacrificed (Lev 17:5).



These sacrifices could be made in the open field & brought to the sanctuary after they were sacrificed (Lev 17:5).

This sacrifice could be for thanksgiving, for the taking of a vow, or a freewill offering (Lev 7:11-18).

Through the years, some have said that the LORD was telling Samuel to be deceitful.

Through the years, some have said that the LORD was telling Samuel to be deceitful.◦But, God “never lies” (Tit 1:2, ESV).

Through the years, some have said that the LORD was telling Samuel to be deceitful.◦But, God “never lies” (Tit 1:2, ESV).◦ It’s obvious that this heifer could have served an important

function in David’s anointing.


function in David’s anointing. It could have been offered in thanksgiving that God had provided a

new King.


function in David’s anointing. It could have been offered in thanksgiving that God had provided a

new King. It could have been offered for a vow that David made before the

LORD.

But, notice that it’s God who is directing all the activity of Samuel.

But, notice that it’s God who is directing all the activity of Samuel.◦God is the One behind the scenes anointing a new King of

Israel.


Israel.◦God is in control of kingdoms.



“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Dan 4:32, ESV).



“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Dan 4:32, ESV).

“There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1, ESV).

There is no government in all the world that hasn’t been ordained by God to fulfill his purpose.

There is no government in all the world that hasn’t been ordained by God to fulfill his purpose.◦We may never comprehend God’s purpose.

There is no government in all the world that hasn’t been ordained by God to fulfill his purpose.◦We may never comprehend God’s purpose.◦But, we know that God is in ultimate control!

There is no government in all the world that hasn’t been ordained by God to fulfill his purpose.◦We may never comprehend God’s purpose.◦But, we know that God is in ultimate control! It is he who

reigns in the kingdom of men!


vv 6-7

The LORD gave Samuel the proper dimensions for Israel’s new King.

The LORD gave Samuel the proper dimensions for Israel’s new King.

“When [Jesse’s sons] came, [Samuel] looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.’ But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height or his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart’” (vv 6-7, ESV).

When Samuel saw Eliab, he “knew” instantly he had found the LORD’s anointed.

When Samuel saw Eliab, he “knew” instantly he had found the LORD’s anointed.◦We don’t know what Eliab looked like.

When Samuel saw Eliab, he “knew” instantly he had found the LORD’s anointed.◦We don’t know what Eliab looked like.◦But, from Samuel’s reaction, he must have looked the part of a

king.


The LORD rebukes Samuel by saying, “The LORD looks on the heart” (v 7, ESV).


The LORD rebukes Samuel by saying, “The LORD looks on the heart” (v 7, ESV).◦The outside appearance isn’t the all-important dimension; the

heart is.


The LORD rebukes Samuel by saying, “The LORD looks on the heart” (v 7, ESV).◦The outside appearance isn’t the all-important dimension; the

heart is.◦When we look at people, don’t we often pull a “Samuel” &

judge by outward appearance?

The heart, not the outer appearance, is really what matters.

The heart, not the outer appearance, is really what matters.◦The heart is the beginning place of sin.

The heart, not the outer appearance, is really what matters.◦The heart is the beginning place of sin: “I say to you that

everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Mt 5:28, ESV).

The heart, not the outer appearance, is really what matters.◦The heart is the beginning place of sin: (Mt 5:28).◦The heart is where faith resides.

The heart, not the outer appearance, is really what matters.◦The heart is the beginning place of sin: (Mt 5:28).◦The heart is where faith resides: “With the heart one believes

and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Rom 10:10, ESV).



We cannot keep a single sin from God.

We cannot keep a single sin from God.◦“You have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not

your husband” (Jn 4:18, ESV).


your husband” (Jn 4:18, ESV).◦“I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive,

but you are dead” (Rev 3:1, ESV).



but you are dead” (Rev 3:1, ESV). To everyone else, the church at Sardis appeared to be a hard-

working, alive congregation.



but you are dead” (Rev 3:1, ESV). To everyone else, the church at Sardis appeared to be a hard-

working, alive congregation. But, Jesus knew better.



What is it that he sees there?


vv 11-13

The LORD made an important decision.

The LORD made an important decision. Samuel “said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here’ And he

said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.’ And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, ‘Arise, anoint him, for this is he.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers” (vv 11-13, ESV).

David’s physical appearance is quite remarkable.

David’s physical appearance is quite remarkable.◦He was ruddy.

David’s physical appearance is quite remarkable.◦He was ruddy—i.e., he had a “red” appearance.

David’s physical appearance is quite remarkable.◦He was ruddy—i.e., he had a “red” appearance. The only other

time the Hebrew word occurs is in the case of Esau (Gn 25:25).


time the Hebrew word occurs is in the case of Esau (Gn 25:25).◦He had beautiful eyes & was very handsome.


time the Hebrew word occurs is in the case of Esau (Gn 25:25).◦He had beautiful eyes & was very handsome.

The LORD told Samuel to arise & anoint David as the new King of Israel.

Again, we must make the point of God’s sovereign will.

Again, we must make the point of God’s sovereign will.◦Samuel did not choose David.

Again, we must make the point of God’s sovereign will.◦Samuel did not choose David. In fact, Samuel would likely

have chosen Eliab, David’s eldest brother.

Again, we must make the point of God’s sovereign will.◦Samuel did not choose David. In fact, Samuel would likely

have chosen Eliab, David’s eldest brother.◦Samuel had no choice in whom he anointed; that was totally up

to the LORD.

God’s sovereign will continues.

God’s sovereign will continues.◦There are many things over which we have no control, for the

LORD has chosen.


LORD has chosen.◦Sometimes, what God has chosen makes no sense through the

lens of human wisdom.



lens of human wisdom. The Corinthian church prided itself on human wisdom.



lens of human wisdom. The Corinthian church prided itself on human wisdom. Paul says to them, “God chose what is foolish in the world to

shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor 1:27-29, ESV).

What allows God to choose to do things the way he wants?

What allows God to choose to do things the way he wants?◦The same thing that allowed him to tell Samuel precisely the

one he was to anoint—viz., God’s sovereign will.

What allows God to choose to do things the way he wants?◦The same thing that allowed him to tell Samuel precisely the

one he was to anoint—viz., God’s sovereign will.◦God can do what he wills the way he wills & tell man to do

things the way he wills because he is God and I am not!



Throughout tonight’s text, we see the activity of God in anointing David King of Israel.


Throughout the pages of both testaments, we see the activity of God in anointing Jesus Christ the King of all.


Throughout the pages of both testaments, we see the activity of God in anointing Jesus Christ the King of all.◦“This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. [He

is] therefore exalted at the right hand of God” (Acts 2:32-33, ESV).


Throughout the pages of both testaments, we see the activity of God in anointing Jesus Christ the King of all.◦“This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. [He

is] therefore exalted at the right hand of God” (Acts 2:32-33, ESV).

◦“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36, ESV).

Will you accept “this Jesus” as the Lord of your life in the same way those at Pentecost did?

Will you accept “this Jesus” as the Lord of your life in the same way those at Pentecost did?◦“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus

Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).

Will you accept “this Jesus” as the Lord of your life in the same way those at Pentecost did?◦“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus

Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).

◦Do you need to come & claim Jesus as your King right now?

Documents

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13. Tonight’s text tells us how David became a great king